Apparatus, system and method for material handling and/or processing

ABSTRACT

An indexing or ratcheting conveyor configured to advance a load includes a frame defining the inlet end and the outlet end of the conveyor, a first device with a gravity rocking pushers and a powered member configured to advance the load in a direction from the inlet end to the outlet end of the conveyor. The conveyor can also include a second device configured to move the load, disposed at the outlet end only, in a direction from the outlet end to the inlet end prior to discharge of the load outwardly from the outlet end. The conveyor can be used as a component of an oven configured to cook or bake dough in containers with electrical resistance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims priority from aprovisional U.S. patent application No. 62/345,202, titled “CONVEYOR”and filed on Jun. 3, 2016 by inventors Matthew Robert McCafferty andZachary Gerald Soles; a provisional U.S. patent application No.62/379,471, titled “ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE COOKING APPARATUS” and filedon Aug. 25, 2016 by inventors Matthew Robert McCafferty and ZacharyGerald Soles; a provisional U.S. patent application No. 62/379,448,titled “CONVEYOR WITH A LIFTING DEVICE” and filed on Aug. 25, 2016 byinventors Matthew Robert McCafferty and Zachary Gerald Soles; and aprovisional U.S. patent application No. 62/379,546, titled “DOUGHCOOKING PRODUCTION LINE” and filed on Aug. 25, 2016 by inventors MatthewRobert McCafferty and Zachary Gerald Soles. The foregoing references arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

N/A

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The subject matter relates to conveyors for transporting material. Itfurther relates to indexing conveyors for transporting closely placedloads in a linear direction. It further relates to systems methodsutilizing conveyors.

2. Description of Related Art

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Generally, indexing conveyors are used for advancing product(s) inmaterial handling applications. Such indexing conveyors can be used as acomponent of another material handling equipment. Some material handlingmachines may use a push cylinder with a wide paddle above a table top toadvance product(s). Some material handling machines may use a bar thatis attached to two parallel chains (the chains are parallel to theconveyor body). Some material handling machines or conveyors may alsouse gravity drop-out pushers.

Generally, dough can be cooked or baked by electrical resistance. Cookedor baked dough can be used as bread loafs or can be transformed intocrumbs by secondary operation(s).

Generally, production line(s) may utilize conveyors for advancingproduct(s) in material handling and/or processing applications.Generally, production line(s) may utilize robotic devices for placingthe product onto conveyor or removing the product therefrom. Generally,production line(s) may utilize devices configured to urge productmovement in a selected direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute part of thespecification and illustrate various embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a 3-D view of an exemplary conveyor configured toadvance multiple rows of loads;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective end view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a 3-D end view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial 3-D side view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates one partial 3-D top view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates one partial 3-D top view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial 3-D bottom view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial 3-D bottom view of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates another partial 3-D bottom view of the conveyor ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective top view of an exemplary conveyorconfigured to advance multiple rows of loads, particularly showing akick-back device;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the conveyor of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial 3-D top view of the conveyor of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial 3-D top view of the conveyor of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 illustrates a partial 3-D end view of the conveyor of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 illustrates one partial 3-D bottom view of the conveyor of FIG.10;

FIG. 16 illustrates an electrical block diagram of the conveyor of FIG.1 or 8;

FIG. 17 illustrates a fluid control block diagram of the conveyor ofFIG. 1 or 8;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary conveyorconfigured to advance multiple rows of loads;

FIG. 19 illustrates a 3-D view of an exemplary conveyor configured toadvance multiple rows of loads;

FIG. 20 illustrates a 3-D end view of the conveyor of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 illustrates a 3-D view of an exemplary conveyor configured toadvance a single row of loads;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary conveyorconfigured to advance a single row of loads;

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial 3-D top view of the conveyor of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 illustrates a partial 3-D bottom view of the conveyor of FIG.22;

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial 3-D view of multiple conveyors disposed ina series with each other

FIG. 26 illustrates a partial end view of an exemplary carrier andreceptacle configuration that can be employed in the conveyors of FIGS.1-15, 18 and 21-24;

FIG. 27 illustrates a partial end view of an exemplary carrier andreceptacle configuration that can be employed in the conveyors of FIGS.1-15, 18 and 21-24

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of an exemplary conveyor configured toadvance multiple rows of loads;

FIG. 29 is an end view of the conveyor of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 illustrates a 3-D view of an exemplary device configured andoperable to connect voltage to an object;

FIG. 31 illustrates a 3-D view of an exemplary apparatus configured andoperable for cooking or baking dough;

FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded 3-D view of the exemplary apparatus ofFIG. 31;

FIG. 33 illustrates a 3-D view of an exemplary frame and lifting deviceemployed within the apparatus of FIGS. 31-32;

FIG. 34 illustrates a 3-D view of the frame of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 illustrates a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS.31-34 in a combination with the devices of FIG. 30 and conveyor of FIGS.1-15 configured to transport or convey container assemblies for cookingor baking dough;

FIG. 36 illustrates an end perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 illustrates a bottom 3-D view of a container assembly forcooking or baking dough;

FIG. 38 illustrates a side 3-D view of the container assembly forcooking or baking dough of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 illustrates an end view of the container assembly for cooking orbaking dough of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 illustrates a side 3-D view of a container employed in thecontainer assembly for cooking or baking dough of FIGS. 37-39;

FIG. 41 illustrates a side view of a pan employed in the containerassembly for cooking or baking dough of FIGS. 37-41;

FIG. 42 illustrates an end view of the pan of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 illustrates a 3-D view of the apparatus of FIGS. 30-36 in acombination with the conveyor of FIGS. 1-15 and the container assembliesof FIGS. 37-42;

FIG. 44 illustrates a partial enlarged 3-D side view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 30-36 in the combination with the conveyor of FIGS. 1-15 and thecontainer assemblies of FIGS. 37-42;

FIG. 45 illustrates a partial enlarged perspective end view of theapparatus of FIGS. 30-36 in the combination with the conveyor of FIGS.1-15 and the container assemblies of FIGS. 37-42;

FIG. 46 illustrates a partial enlarged 3-D side view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 30-36 in the combination with the conveyor of FIGS. 1-15 and thecontainer assemblies of FIGS. 37-42;

FIG. 47 illustrates a partial diagrammatic end view of an exemplaryapparatus configured and operable to move devices of FIG. 30;

FIG. 48. illustrates a partial diagrammatic end view of an exemplaryapparatus configured and operable move devices of FIG. 30;

FIG. 49 illustrates an end perspective view of an exemplary materialhandling conveyors having a material lifting device;

FIG. 50 illustrates a bottom 3-D view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG.49;

FIG. 51 illustrates a side 3-D view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 49with a first frame removed for clarity;

FIG. 52 illustrates a partial perspective view of the exemplary conveyorof FIG. 49;

FIG. 53 illustrates another partial perspective view of the exemplaryconveyor of FIG. 49;

FIG. 54 illustrates an end perspective view of an exemplary materialhandling conveyors having a material lifting device;

FIG. 55 illustrates an end view of an exemplary material handlingconveyors having a material lifting device; and

FIG. 56 illustrates an end view of an exemplary material handlingconveyors having a material lifting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the presentinvention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity andunderstanding, identical components which have identical functions havebeen identified with identical reference numerals throughout the severalviews illustrated in the drawing figures.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described examples or the application and usesof the described examples. As may be used herein, the words “example”,“exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “example”,“exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of theimplementations described below are exemplary implementations providedto enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments ofthe disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure, which is defined by the claims.

For purposes of description herein, the directional and/or relationaryterms such as “upper”, “top”, “lower”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”,“rear”, “back”, “front”, “apex”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”,“exterior”, “interior” and derivatives thereof are relative to eachother and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicableelement or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the descriptionof the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to beconstrued as limiting. It will be understood that the spatially relativeterms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device inuse or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Thedevice may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used hereininterpreted accordingly.

The term “or” when used in this specification and the appended claims isnot meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning eitheror both.

The term “couple” or “coupled”, when used in this specification andappended claims, refers to an indirect or direct physical connectionbetween the identified elements, components, or objects. Often themanner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner inwhich the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” when used in thisspecification and appended claims, refers to a physical connectionbetween identified elements, components, or objects, in which no otherelement, component, or object resides between those identified as beingdirectly coupled.

The terms “removable”, “removably coupled”, “removably disposed,”“readily removable”, “readily detachable”, “detachably coupled”,“separable,” “separably coupled,” and similar terms, when used in thisspecification and appended claims, refer to structures that can beuncoupled, detached, uninstalled, or removed from an adjoining structurewith relative ease (i.e., non-destructively, and without a complicatedor time-consuming process), and that can also be readily reinstalled,recoupled, or coupled to the previously adjoining structure.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”another element, it can be directly on the other element or interveningelements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” another element, there are nointervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includesany and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.As may be used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean thatthe element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/orintended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms“adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a givenelement, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of”performing a given function but that the element, component, and/orother subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented,utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing thefunction. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure thatelements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that isrecited as being adapted to perform a particular function mayadditionally or alternatively be described as being configured toperform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that isrecited as being configured to perform a particular function mayadditionally or alternatively be described as being operative to performthat function.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer,” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings herein.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and notfor the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

The term “conveyor” when used in this specification and appended claims,refers, without limitations, to an indexing conveyor, a ratchetconveyor, a bi-directional ratchet conveyor, a belt conveyor, or aroller conveyor.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

The particular embodiments of the present disclosure generally provideconveyors, systems and methods directed to transporting or advancingmaterial(s) or load(s) in a linear direction and/or processing suchmaterial(s) or load(s).

In particular embodiments, a conveyor is configured to advance a singlerow or series of loads.

In particular embodiments, a conveyor is configured to advance amultiple rows or series of loads.

In particular embodiments, a conveyor is disposed within a machine andis configured and/or operable to position load(s) in an alignment withprocessing components of the machine.

In particular embodiments, a conveyor is configured to transport oradvance a plurality of rows of loads with a plurality of loads in eachrow in a linear transport or conveyance path.

In particular embodiments, a conveyor is configured to transport oradvance, along the linear transport or conveyance path, a plurality ofloads disposed in a plurality of rows and in a series with each otherwithin each row.

Now referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an embodiment of aconveyor, generally designated as 10. The conveyor 10 may be alsoreferred to in this document as an indexing conveyor, a ratchetconveyor, a bi-directional ratchet conveyor, a conveying apparatus, anapparatus or a conveyance apparatus. The conveyor 10 is configured totransport or advance a plurality of rows of loads 2 with a plurality ofloads 2 in each row in a linear transport or conveyance path 4. Theconveyor 10 is also configured to transport or advance, along the lineartransport or conveyance path 4, a plurality of loads disposed in aplurality of rows and in a series with each other within each row. Theconveyor 10 defines an inlet end 12 and an outlet end 14. The lineartransport or conveyance path 4 is from the inlet end 12 to the outletend 14. The linear transport or conveyance path 4 can be also referredto as a pathway.

The conveyor 10 comprises a frame 20 that extends between the inlet end12 and the outlet end 14 of the conveyor 10. The exemplary frame 20 isillustrated as having a rectangular shape and comprises four end members22 that are positioned vertically during use of the conveyor 10. Abottom end 24 of one or more of the end members 22 can be adapted withan adjustable member or a foot 26. Such adjustable member or foot 26 canbe threadably coupled to the bottom end 24 with a threadable connection.The adjustable member or foot 26 can be provided as any one of pad, awheel or a caster. Each pair of the end members 22 can be coupledtherebetween with an end brace 28, positioned traverse to the lineardirection 4, particularly when the conveyor 10 is configured as afree-standing conveyor, i.e., a conveyor that is not secured to asurface or an object. In an example, the brace 28 can be welded, at eachend thereof, to an exterior surface of the respective end member 22 orcan be detachably attached thereto, with fasteners. In an example, eachend of the end brace 28 can be adapted with a threaded aperture 30 andthe respective end member 22 can be adapted with an aperture 32 that isaligned with the threaded aperture 30 during assembly. The end brace 28can be provided as a tubular member. When the end brace 28 can beprovided as the tubular member, each end of the end brace 28 can beclosed with a plate member 34 carrying such threaded aperture 30, as isbest shown in FIGS. 4-5. In an example, the threaded aperture 30 can bereplaced with a plain aperture and a nut fastener welded to or caged ona surface of the plate member 34. Furthermore, when the end brace 28 isprovided as the tubular member with a square or rectangular periphery,it can be assembled in absence of horizontally disposed surfaces. Thisaspect is at least advantageous in sanitary applications to at leastminimize collection of debris or waste product falling from carriedload(s) 2 during transport or processing.

The exemplary frame 20 can also comprise two longitudinal side members50 that are best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each side member 50 spans thedistance between two end members 22 positioned on one side of theconveyor 10. In other words, one end member 22 is positioned on one sideof the inlet end 12 and the other end member 22 is positioned on thesame side of the outlet end 14. The side member 50 can be welded, ateach end thereof to a respective end member 22. The side member 50 canbe detachably attached at each end thereof to a respective end member22. In an example, each end of the side members 50 can be fasteneddirectly to the end member 22, in any of the conventional fasteningarrangements. In an example, each end member 22 can be provided with anL-shaped bracket 36 having one leg 38 thereof being welded to thesurface of the end member 22 and another leg 40 thereof being configuredfor detachable attachment to the end of the side member 50. In anexample, the side member 50 can be provided as a tubular member. In anexample, the side member 50 comprises a first wall 52 and a second wall54 that is disposed normal to the first wall 52. The second wall 54 isillustrated as being faced outwardly but can also face inwardly duringuse of the conveyor 10. Such shape of the side member 50 can be achievedby bending side member 50 from a sheet of plate material or providingthe resulting L-shape cross-section by an extrusion process. For thereasons to be explained later, each end of the first wall 52 can extendoutwardly past the peripheral boundary of the frame 20 and comprisesaperture(s) 58 disposed adjacent and spaced from such each end. It isnot necessary for the end members 22 to extend, in a vertical direction,past the second wall 54.

It is also contemplated herewithin that the sides 50 can be coupled ordirectly coupled to other members or structures.

The conveyor 10 comprises braces 70 that are coupled stationary, at eachend thereof, to the frame 20 and, more particularly to the first wall 52of each load carrying member 40. Braces 70 are further disposed inseries and in a spaced apart relationship with each other between theinlet end 12 and the outlet end 14 of the conveyor 10, with each brace70 being disposed transverse to the pair of load supporting members 50.Braces 70 can be either welded, at each end thereof, to a respectivefirst wall 52 or being detachably attached, at each end thereof, to therespective first wall 52. One or more of the braces 70 can be providedas a tubular member. When one or more of the braces 70 being provided asthe tubular member, it can be detachably attached to the first walls 52in a manner described above in detachably attaching tubular end braces28. Furthermore, when the brace 70 is provided as the tubular memberwith a square or rectangular periphery, it can be assembled in absenceof horizontally disposed surfaces. In other words, each surface of suchtubular member is inclined to a horizontal or vertical plane. The braces70 can be spaced at equal or unequal distances from each other.

The conveyor 10 comprises stationary support brackets 80, with eachsupport bracket 80 being permanently or detachably coupled to arespective brace 70. The bracket 80 can be configured as a U-shapedbracket. Each U-shaped bracket 80 comprises a pair of flanges 82 coupledto the respective brace 70 and further comprises a main portion 84disposed substantially horizontally during use of the conveyor 10. Eachflange 82 can be permanently coupled to the respective brace 70, forexample by a welding process. Each flange 82 can be detachably coupledto the respective brace 70, for example by using clamps 90, as is bestshown in FIGS. 4-9. When clamps 90 are provided, they can be configuredas a pair of hat-shaped clamp members having a main portion 92 and apair of flanges 94, each with an aperture 96 formed through a thicknessof the flange 94. One of the pair of hat-shaped clamp members 90 can berigidly coupled, for example such as by welding, to each flange 82 ofthe support bracket 80. Thus, in an example, two (or a pair of) clamps90 are provided for each support bracket 80 with the clamps 90essentially caging the exterior surface of the brace 70 and beingcoupled to each other with fasteners 96.

The conveyor 10 comprises an indexing device. The indexing devicecomprises receptacles 100, carrying members 120, coupling member 140 andforce exerting members 150. The indexing device can also comprise apowered member 130. Such powered member 130 can be provided as acomponent of the conveyor 10 and thus be an optional component of theindexing device. Each receptacle 100 is coupled stationary to arespective U-shaped support bracket 80. Thus, in an embodiment of theconveyor 10, the receptacles 100 are disposed in series with each otherbetween the inlet end 12 and the outlet end 14 of the conveyor 10 andfurther in series with each other across the width of the conveyor 10.In an embodiment, each receptacle 100 defines a pair of verticallydisposed walls 102 upstanding on the main portion 84 of a respectivebracket 80. In an example, vertically disposed walls 102 can be weldedto the main portion 84. In an example, vertically disposed walls 102 canbe detachably coupled to the main portion 84 by way of the flanges 104with apertures 106 formed through a thickness of the flange 104 that arealigned at assembly with apertures in the main portion 84. It would beunderstood that each wall 102 in a combination with the flange 104 canbe provided as an L-shaped member, being either formed, molded, castedor extruded. The receptacle 100 can comprise a metal, a plastic or acombination thereof. The receptacle 100 can comprise a material with alow friction coefficient, for example such as a self-lubricating bronzealloy.

The indexing device can comprise optional liners 110. Each liner 110,when provided, comprises a material with a low friction coefficient. Inexample, such material can be an engineered plastic. The engineeredplastic can be a thermoplastic polyethylene and, more specifically, anultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene. In an example, theengineered plastic can be an equivalent to the thermoplasticpolyethylene. In an example, such material can comprise self-lubricatingbronze alloy. When the receptacle 100 defines a pair of verticallydisposed walls 102, the optional liners 110 can be coupled to the innersurfaces of the vertically disposed walls 102 or can be provide as aU-shaped member being caged between the vertically disposed walls 102and resting on the main portion 84. The liner 110, when provided, can befastened to a respective receptacle 100, can be secured thereto withadhesives or can be provided integral with the receptacle 100, forexample during a molding process.

The optional liner 110 can be sized to span a length of the receptacle100 or even be sized to span a distance between furthest ends of a pairof adjacent receptacles 100.

The receptacle 100 or the optional liner 110 defines an inner space 118.

Each carrying member 120 is positioned for a reciprocal linear movementwithin the inner space 118. Each carrying member 120 is illustrated as athin bar or a rail with a pair of flat surfaces, but can be provided inother shapes, for example such as a tubular shape. The carrying membermay comprise metal, plastic and a combination thereof. When the carryingmember 120 comprises metal, the liner 110 is configured to wear duringlinear movement of the carrying member 120 within the receptacle 100.When the carrying member 120 comprises metal and receptacle 100comprises plastic at least on the inner surface of the wall 102, theliner 110 may not be needed. Likewise, when the carrying member 120comprises, either partially or completely, plastic and receptacle 100comprises metal, the liner 110 may not be needed.

The powered member 130 is configured to provide a reciprocal linearmovement of the carrying members 120. In an example, the powered member130 can be a linear actuator. The linear actuator can be provided as anelectrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated device. Thepowered member 130 can be a cylinder, either pneumatic or hydraulic. Thecylinder 130 has a stationary portion 132 rigidly coupled at on endthereof to the frame 20. In an example, the stationary portion can berigidly coupled to a mounting member 138 that is rigidly coupled to oneof the ends of the frame 20, shown as the inlet end 12 of the conveyor10. The cylinder 130 also has a movable portion 134 that moves in alinear direction. The distal end of the movable portion 134 can beconfigured as a U-shaped member 136.

Each coupling member 140 comprises one end 142 thereof coupled, forexample with fasteners or by welding, to a respective carrying member120 and comprises a second end 144 coupled to the powered member 130and, more particularly to the U-shaped member 136. The second end 144 ofeach coupling member 140 is attached or coupled, either permanently ordetachably, to a link 252. When the coupling member 140 is permanentlycoupled, the second end 144 can be welded to the link 252. When thecoupling member 140 is detachably coupled, it can be coupled, withfasteners, to a flange 256 on the link 252. The flanges 256 aredisposed, in a spaced apart relationship with each other, on the link252. The second end 144 can be also adapted with a flange for adetachable coupling to a surface of the link 252, for example withfasteners. The coupling members 140 and the link 252 can define orcomprise a linkage 250. The link 252 is disposed transverse to the loadsupporting members 210 (described further in this document) and has apivotal connection 254 with an opposite end 134 of the powered member130.

It will be understood that the linkage 250 is configured to movemultiple carrying members 120 with a single powered member 130. In otherwords, the linkage 250 is configured to advance multiple rows of loads 2with a single powered member 130.

It is also contemplated that each carrying member 120 can be adaptedwith a dedicated powered member 130. In this embodiment, the link 252 isnot needed and the second end 144 of the coupling member 140 isconfigured for a pivotal attachment to the powered member 130.

The force exerting members 150 in the embodiment of the conveyor 10 ofFIGS. 1-9 are disposed in series with each other between the inlet end12 and the outlet end 14 of the conveyor 10. The spacing between a pairof adjacent force exerting members 150 is dependent on the size of theload 2 so that a single force transmitting member 150 is provided for asingle load 2. Each force exerting member 150 comprises a front end 152and a rear end 154. The front end 152 is configured to abut the load 2.In an example, the rear end 154 is being configured heavier than thefront end 152. In an example, the front end 152 can be lightened withapertures (not shown). In an example, the front end 152 can beconfigured smaller than the rear end 154. In an example, the rear end154 can be adapted with additional weight.

There is a pivotal connection 160 between each force exerting member 150and the carrying member 120. In an example, each of the carrying member120 and the force exerting member 150 can be provided with throughapertures 162 with the pivotal connection being achieved by way of a pin164 passed through each aperture 162 and terminated at each end toprevent unintended disengagement from such aperture 162. In an example,the pin can be provided as an integral part of one of the carryingmember 120 or the force exerting member 150, with the other one of thecarrying member 120 or the force exerting member 150 comprising anaperture.

Each force exerting member 150 is pivotable between a load engagingposition and a non-load engaging position on the carrying member 120 andmovable with the carrying member 120 in the reciprocal linear movement,enabled by the powered member 130.

Thus, the force exerting member 150 can be also referred and/orconfigured as a gravity rocking advancement pusher or a gravity rockingdog.

There are stops 170. Each stop 170 is rigidly coupled to the carryingmember 120 and is positioned to maintain the front end 152 of arespective force exerting member 150 in the load engaging position.

The conveyor 10 can comprise inner load supporting member(s) 210 and twoouter load supporting members 220, extending between the inlet end 12and the outlet end 14 of the conveyor 10. Each inner load supportingmember 210 is positioned in a spaced apart relationship with the outerload supporting members 220 and with each other when more than one innerload supporting member 210 is provided. Each inner load supportingmember 210 comprises a first wall 212 with apertures 214 formed througha thickness thereof and a second wall 216 with a load supporting surface218 which is sized to receive portions of loads 2 in adjacent rows. Thefirst wall 212 is being disposed generally vertically during operationof the conveyor 10. The load supporting surface 218 is being disposedgenerally horizontally during operation of the conveyor 10. The loadsupporting surface 218 can comprise a smooth surface. Each outer loadsupporting member 220 is positioned adjacent a respective side member50, when provided or at each side of the conveyor 10. Each outer loadsupporting member 220 comprises a first wall 222, disposed generallyvertically during operation of the conveyor 10 and a second wall 226disposed generally horizontally during operation of the conveyor 10. Thefirst wall 222 comprises apertures 224 formed through a thicknessthereof, in a spaced-apart relationship with each other along a lengthof the first wall 222. The second wall 226 defines a load carryingsurface 228. The load supporting surface 228 can comprise a smoothsurface.

It is also contemplated herewithin that outer load supporting members220 can be provided by or integrated with the side members 50 of theframe 20.

During assembly, each brace 70 is passed through respectively alignedapertures 214 and 224.

In an embodiment, each brace 70 can be rigidly coupled to each firstwall 212 of the inner load supporting member 210 and first wall 222 ofthe outer carrying member 220. Such rigid coupling can be achieved bywelding when the conveyor 10 is essentially fabricated from metallicmaterial, for example such as steel or aluminum.

In an embodiment, each brace 70 can be detachably coupled to each firstwall 212 of the inner load supporting member 210 and first wall 222 ofthe outer carrying member 220. In this embodiment, each brace 70 isconfigured to pass freely through the apertures 214 and 224. When thebrace 70 is configured to pass freely through the apertures 214 and 224,the conveyor 10 further comprises biasing members 230, best shown inFIG. 8. Each biasing member 230 comprises a first portion 232 stationaryattached to a surface of the first wall 212 of each inner loadsupporting member 210 and to a surface of the first wall 222 of eachouter load supporting member 220, in an alignment with a respectiveclamp 90 and comprising a second portion 234 movable in a relationshipto the first portion 232 and having one end thereof positioned in anabutting relationship with the respective clamp 90 so as to bias eachbrace 70 with an upper edge of each aperture 214, 224 during use of theconveyor 10. By way of one example only, the first portion 232 can beadapted with a threaded aperture 236 with the second portion 234 beingconfigured as a threaded bolt or a threaded rod. It would be understoodthat the position of the biasing members 230 can be reversed to bias thebrace 70 downwardly.

Conveyor 10 can comprise one or more optional braces 240, best shown inFIG. 9 coupled, stationary and detachably, at each end thereof, to eachside member 50 of the frame 20. Each optional brace 240 is stationarydisposed mediate the inlet end 12 and the outlet end 14 in a directiontransverse to a direction therebetween. Each optional brace 240comprises brace apertures in the first wall 212 of each inner loadsupporting member 210, brace apertures in the first walls 22 of eachouter load supporting member 220, brace apertures in the side members 50of the frame 20, all respective apertures are being aligned with eachother during assembly, spacers 246 disposed between surfaces of thefirst walls 212 of adjacent inner load supporting members 210 and outerload supporting members 220 and having each end in an abuttingrelationship therewith, brace apertures 247, through the spacers 246,being oriented in the direction transverse to the direction between theinlet and outlet ends and in an alignment with the brace apertures infirst walls 212 and 222, and an elongated 248 member passed through thealigned brace apertures and having each end thereof secured to arespective side member 50 of the frame. In an example, each end of therod 248 can be threaded to receive threaded nut fastener 249.

In operation, the front end 152 has at least a portion thereof extendingoutwardly or upwardly, in the load engaging position, from loadsupporting surfaces 218 and 228 and in an abutting relationship with aportion of the load 2 during operation of the conveyor 10. Such portioncan be a rear surface of the load 2 or a void in a bottom surfacethereof. The abutting relationship of each force transmitting member 150causes an incremental advancement of the loads 2 between the inlet end12 and the outlet end 14 during the linear movement of the carryingmembers 120 in a first or load moving direction. The incrementalmovement is defined by the stroke of the powered member 130 that is, inturned, is selected based on the travel distance of the load 2. Thefront end 152 and the rear end 154 are also being at least partiallydisposed, in the non-load engaging position, below the load supportingsurfaces 218, 228 during the linear movement of the carrying member 120in an opposite second or a non-load moving direction. The linearmovement of the force exerting members 150 in the first directionadvances the load 2 from the inlet end 12 to the outlet end 14. When thepowered member 130 is controlled to move the carrying member 120 and theforce exerting members 150 in a reversed direction toward the inlet end12, the force exerting members 150 rotate into the non-load engagingposition and move under the load 2 which is behind the load 2 that waspreviously advanced by the retracting force exerting members 150. Whileretracting, the force exerting members 150 are being maintained in thenon-load engaging position by any continuous bottom surface of the load2. Once, the retracting force exerting members 150 passed the load 2 orthe bottom surface of the load 2 has a void, the force exerting members150 pivot into the load engaging position due to gravity without aid ofany powered member. When the force exerting members 150 return into theload engaging position due to gravity, these force exerting members 150are in a position to advance the next load 2 when the powered member 130is controlled to move the carrying members 120 toward the outlet end 14of the conveyor 10.

The number of force exerting members 150 depends on a distance betweeninlet end 12 and the outlet end 14, the size of the load 2 in thetransport direction and the number of loads 2 to be positioned in seriesbetween the inlet end 12 and the outlet end 14. Although four forceexerting members 150 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 as being attached to asingle carrying member 120, more or less can be used in a specificapplication. It is contemplated that a single force exerting member 150can be used, for example on short conveyors 10, a long stroke powereddevice 130 or a combination thereof.

The number of the braces 70, support brackets 80 and receptacles 110 atleast depends on a distance between the inlet end 12 and the outlet end14 and the size of the load 2 in the transport direction. Although fourbraces 70 are provided in the exemplary embodiment of the conveyor 10 inFIGS. 1-7, more or less can be used in a specific application, includingone of each of the brace 70, support bracket 80 and receptacle 100.

Each carrying member 120 in a combination with at least the forceexerting members 150 is configured to function as a carriage.

All carrying members 120 in a combination with at least the forceexerting members 150 are configured to function as a carriage.

In an embodiment, an exemplary method of advancing the load 2 from theinlet end 12 to the outlet end 14 comprises engaging each load 2 with aforce exerting member 150, moving, with the powered member 130, eachforce exerting member 150 and its respective load 2 in a (first)direction toward the outlet end 14, moving, with the powered member 130,each force exerting member 150 without the load 2 in an opposite(second) direction toward the inlet end 12 so as to position each forceexerting member 150 to engage the next load 2 to be moved toward theoutlet end 14. The step of moving each force exerting member 150 and itsrespective load 2 in a direction toward the outlet end 14 comprisescontrolling or actuating the powered member 130 to move in the firstdirection. The step of moving each force exerting member 150 in adirection toward the inlet end 12 comprises controlling or actuating thepowered member 130 to move in the second direction. The step of movingeach force exerting member 150 comprises the step of pivotally attachingone or more force exerting members 150 to a carrying member 120 andmounting the carrying member 120 for a linear movement. The mounting canbe achieved by providing receptacles 100 mounted stationary duringoperation of the conveyor 10, for example on braces 70 and brackets 80.

In an embodiment, an exemplary method of indexing or incrementallyadvancing the loads 2, positioned in a series (i.e., one after another)with each other, from the inlet end 12 to the outlet end 14 comprisesengaging each load 2 with a single force exerting member 150, moving,with the powered member 130, the force exerting members 150 and theloads 2 in a (first) direction toward the outlet end 14, moving, withthe powered member 130, the force exerting members 150 without the loads2 in an opposite (second) direction toward the inlet end 12 so as to notmove the loads 2 in such second direction, engaging with each forceexerting members 150 the next load 2 and advancing the loads 2 againtoward the outlet end 14. It would be understood that at the beginningof operation, only one row of loads load can be positioned at the inletend 12. Thus, in the beginning of operation of the exemplary conveyor 10only the force exerting members 150 will index or incrementally advancethe loads 2. After the first indexing, there will now be two rows ofloads 2 positioned in a series with each other. So, the next indexingstep will move two rows of loads 2 and so on until the conveyor 10 iscompletely loaded and each force exerting member 150 advances arespective load 2 in the first direction. It would be understood that itwould take 4 strokes of the powered member 130 to load the conveyor 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-18 and 21-24.

Now in reference to FIGS. 10-15, the conveyor 10 is constructed inaccordance with above described embodiment(s) of FIGS. 1-9 and furthercomprises an optional device 180 configured to move a selected load 2 ina reversed or retracted direction from the outlet end 14 to the inletend 12 when the load(s) 2 is(are) disposed at the outlet end 14. In anembodiment, the device 180 can comprise edge slots 182 in the first wall212 of each inner load supporting member 210, bearing block 184 coupledto two or more first walls 212 in an alignment with a respective slot182, a shaft 186 passed through each bearing block 184, a pawl 188secured on the shaft 186 for a rotation thereof and another powereddrive 190 coupled with a link 192 to the pawl 188 and operable to pivotthe shaft 186 and the pawl 188 in the direction from the outlet end 14to the inlet end 12 so as to move the load 2, disposed at the outlet end14, a small increment toward the inlet end 12. The device 180 isconfigured to function as a kickback device.

In an example, the device 180 can be employed in application(s) wherethe load 2 exiting the outlet end 14 is transferred onto anotherconveyor (not shown) to be moved in a direction generally normal to thetransport or conveyance path 4. In this application, the purpose of thedevice 180 is to “break” a contact between the load 2 being positionedat the outlet end 14 and the load 2 that was pushed by the forceexerting member 150 onto the another conveyor (not shown). The kickbackmotion allows a separation between the load 2 being positioned at theoutlet end 14 and the load 2 that was pushed by the force exertingmember 150 onto the another conveyor and subsequently allows anunobstructed movement of the discharged load 2 on the another conveyor(not shown). If the discharged load 2 on the another conveyor (notshown) has contact with the load 2 still on the index conveyor 10, thedischarged loads 2, through friction of them touching, may turn or stalland not be transported by such another conveyor (not shown).

Thus, in an embodiment, an exemplary method of indexing or incrementallyadvancement of the loads 2, positioned in a series (i.e., one afteranother) with each other, in the first direction from the inlet end 12to the outlet end 14 comprises incrementally moving the load 2positioned at the outlet end 14 of the conveyor 10 in the oppositesecond direction with a device 180 which is powered independently fromthe powered member 130.

Different control arrangements can be employed for electrical control ofthe conveyor 10 of FIGS. 1-15. In an example of FIG. 16, a transmitter272 and a receiver 274 can be mounted in an operative alignment across awidth of the conveyor 10, at an inlet end 12 thereof, to sense apresence or an absence of the load 2. The transmitter 272 and receiver274 can be of an optical type or a sound transmission type.

In an example, a transmitter 276 and a receiver 278 can be mounted at anoutlet end 14 of the conveyor 10 to sense a presence or an absence ofthe load 2.

In an example, a first pair of a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 canbe mounted in an operative alignment across a width of the conveyor 10,at an inlet end 12 thereof, and a second pair of a transmitter 276 and areceiver 278 can be mounted at an outlet end 14 of the conveyor 12.

The single powered member 130 of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder typecan be adapted with one or a pair of sensors 280, 282, for example of aproximity type. Sensor 280 can be positioned at a rod end 132 andoperable to provide a cylinder extend signal and the sensor 282 can bemounted at the opposite piston end 138 and operable to provide acylinder retract signal. In an example, the sensors 280, 282 can bemounted to sense an absence or a presence of an internal component, forexample such as a piston (not shown).

The sensor 280 and/or 282 can be positioned and operable to sense aposition of the load so as to reverse an operating direction of thepowered member 130.

The sensor 280 and/or 282 can be positioned and operable to sense apresence or an absence of the load translating on said pair of the loadsupporting members 210 and 220.

The above described transmitters, receivers and sensors are electricallycoupled to a control member 286. The control member 286 can be either ofa microprocessor type, a programmable logic type or a relay type. Thereceivers 274, 278 and sensors 280, 282 are operable to input a signalinto the control member 286. The control member 286 can be alsoconfigured to source power to transmitters 272, 276 when applicable.

FIG. 16 illustrates control of the conveyor 10 with the single poweredmember 130 of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder type. It would beunderstood that when conveyor 10 is provided with the plurality of thepowered member 130, either one or each powered member 130 can be adaptedwith the above described sensors 280, 282. When each powered member 130is adapted with the above described sensors 280, 282, each sensor 280,282 is electrically coupled to the control member 286.

It is contemplated herewithin that the powered member 130 can be adaptedwith one of the sensors 280, 282. In an example, only the sensor 280 canbe provided to sense the powered member 130 being in a retractedposition and transmit a respective signal to the control member 286. Thecontrol member 286 can be then configured (programmed) to calculate thetime to extend and retract (i.e. complete the cycle) the powered member130 based on the selected stroke, i.e. distance to index orincrementally move the load 2. In an example, only the sensor 280 can beprovided to sense the powered member 130 being in the extended positionand transmit a respective signal to the control member 286. The controlmember 286 can be then configured (programmed) to calculate the time toretract and extend (i.e. complete the cycle) the powered member 130based on the selected stroke, i.e. distance to index or incrementallymove the load 2.

It is further contemplated that function of the sensors 280, 282 can bereplaced by a logic algorithm executed by the control member 286. Suchlogic algorithm can be based on a time required to cycle (extend andretract) the powered member 130 and to move the load 2 a preselecteddistance. The cycle can be initiated by the input signal from thereceiver 274 and/or 278.

When the conveyor 10 is configured with the optional device 180, theoperation of the powered member 190 can be controlled in the abovedescribed manner, for example by adapting the powered member 190 withthe sensors 287, 288.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary fluid flow control of the conveyor 10when the powered member 130 and an optional powered member 190 areprovided as conventional pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders comprisingpiston and rod members. A solenoid operable valve 292 can beelectrically connected to the control member 286 and pneumatically orhydraulically coupled (i.e. in a fluid communication) to the cylinder130 so as to control extension and/or retraction thereof. Anothersolenoid operable valve 294 can be electrically connected to thecontroller 286 and pneumatically or hydraulically coupled (i.e. in afluid communication) to the cylinder 190 so as to control extensionand/or retraction thereof. Check valve(s) 296 and/or orifices(s) 298 canbe also employed for fluid flow control. Check valve(s) 296 and/ororifices(s) 298 can be combined within a single unit or can be providedand installed individually. The cylinders 130, 190 of the hydraulic typeare connected to pressure or supply header 300 and a return header 302that can be controlled by valves 304. It would be understood thatadditional electrical and fluid control components can control more thanone cylinder 130 or 190. The cylinders 130, 190 of a pneumatic type canbe vented to atmosphere and thus can be only connected to the pressureor supply header 300, eliminating a need for check valve 296 and orifice298 at the rod end and simplifying the solenoid operable valves 292,294.

It would be also understood that each cylinder 130, 190 in a pluralityof such cylinders can be adapted with its dedicated set of controlcomponents. In a further reference to FIG. 17, therein is illustrated atleast a pair of powered member 130 with a single powered member 190.This embodiment may apply to a configuration of a plurality of conveyors10 being positioned in a series with each other, where only one suchconveyor 10 is configured with the device 180 and the remainingconveyors 10 are absent such device 180.

It is also contemplated that each cylinder 130, 190 can beprovided/configured as a rodless cylinder type.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the load supporting members 210,220 wherein the second wall 216 or 226 respectively has been replacedwith a U-shaped receptacle 310 containing plurality of rollers 310mounted for a rotation. The rollers 312 can than define the previouslydescribed load supporting surfaces 218, 228. The advantage of therollers 312 is in at least minimizing if not eliminating frictionbetween the load 2 and the previously described load supporting surfaces218, 228. The rollers 312 that are illustrated as being rotated about ahorizontally disposed axis during use of the conveyor 10 can be replacedwith any roller type suitable for material handling applications.

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate an embodiment of the conveyor 10 wherein thepreviously described indexing device comprising the receptacles 100,carrying members 210, and a linearly configured powered member 130 hasbeen replaced with a chain drive 320 comprising a plurality of chains322 driven by a powered member 340 through a pair of chain sprockets324, for example being of a motor and gearbox type, and carrying aplurality of the force transmitting members 150. It would be understoodthat the force transmitting members 150 in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-20move in a single direction. Indexing or incremental advancement of theforce transmitting members 150 can be controlled through the controlmember 286, for example based on a length of the load 2 to beincrementally advanced from the inlet end 12 to the outlet end 14 orbased on a timing to advance such load 2.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a conveyor 200 configuredto advance a single load 2 in each row. The conveyor 200 also comprisesa frame that can be constructed identical to the above described frame20, except for a smaller lateral distance between end members 22 toaccommodate such single load 2. The frame defines an inlet end and anoutlet end of the conveyor 200. The frame comprises end members 22, endbraces 28, sized for a smaller lateral distance and the pair of sidemembers 50, each side member 50 is coupled to the pair of end members 22in a direction between the inlet end and the outlet end of the conveyor200. The side members 50 are omitted in FIG. 21 for the sake of clarityand the detail description of such end members 50 is omitted herein forthe sake of brevity.

Conveyor 200 comprises braces 270 coupled stationary, at each endthereof, to each side member 50 of the frame, in series and in a spacedapart relationship with each other between the inlet and outlet ends ofthe conveyor 200. Each brace 270 can be essentially the above describedbrace 70, except for length to accommodate the smaller lateral distanceof the conveyor 200. Each brace 270 is disposed substantially transverseto the above described load supporting members 220 and passing throughaligned apertures 224 in each first wall 222 of each load supportingmember 210. The load supporting members 220 are omitted in FIG. 21 forthe sake of clarity. In an embodiment, the outer load supporting member220 can be replaced with the side members 50 configured to carry theloads 2 and the inner load carrying members 210 are not needed in theembodiment of FIG. 21.

The conveyor 200 is also adapted with the above described U-shapedbrackets 80 and clamps 90 positioned in spaces between the loadsupporting members 210.

The conveyor 200 also comprises the above described receptacles 100 andcan comprise optional liners 110. As is in the embodiment of theconveyor 10, a single carrying member 120 with force exerting members150 is also provided.

The conveyor 200 comprises a single powered member 130 coupled to thesingle carrying member 120 with the link 140.

The operation of the conveyor 200 of FIG. 21 is essentially identical tothe operation of the conveyor 10, except for the single load 2 in eachrow being advanced from the inlet end 12 to the outlet end 14.

It will be also understood that plurality of conveyors 200 can becoupled with each other in a side-by-side relationship to essentiallydefine a conveyor being similar to the conveyor 10 and configured tomove a single carrying member 120 with a dedicated power mover 190.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate an embodiment of the conveyor 200 wherein thepowered member 130 has been replaced with the chain drive 320′comprising a chain 322′ and sprockets 324. The sprockets 324 are coupledby way of the shaft 330 rotating in a pair of bearings 334, 336. Theconveyor 200 of FIGS. 22-24 is also configured as an adjustable widthconveyor by way of a threadable engagement of the shaft 330 and ahousing 332. The width of the conveyor 200 can be adjusted manually byway of a hand wheel 346 or by a powered member, for example such as theabove described powered member 340. Thus, the exemplary conveyor 200 ofFIGS. 22-24 comprises a device configured to adjust width of theconveyor 200 so as to accommodate loads 2 of various widths.

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment, wherein multiple conveyors 10 aredisposed in a series with each other along the conveyance path 4. Theconveyors 10 can be mechanically connected therebetween for example withfasteners (not shown) passed through aligned apertures 58 in eachconveyor 10. FIG. 25 also illustrates that conveyors 10 can be disposedin series with each other in a direction normal to the conveyance path4. Accordingly, it would be understood that multiple conveyors 10 can becoupled to each other along the conveyance path and in a directionnormal to the conveyance path. Furthermore, FIG. 25 illustrates anexample of the powered member configured as a screw drive 130′ and thelink assembly 250′ comprising blocks 260 joined by a single elongatedmember 262, although a plurality of members 262 is also contemplatedherewithin.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of the receptacle 100 and the carryingmember 120, wherein the carrying member 120 is adapted with a base 121comprising a pair of portions 122 each having a J-shaped configurationin a plane transverse to a length of the carrying member 120. Thereceptacle 100, in this embodiment, is provided as a member 108 having aT-shaped configuration in the plane transverse to a length of thecarrying member 120. The member 108 is shaped to fit within the base121. The optional liner 110 may be simply provided as a flat member or astrip or may be adapted with a complimentary J-shaped configuration.

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of the receptacle 100 and the carryingmember 120, wherein the carrying member 120 is adapted with a base 121comprising a pair of flanges 124, each having an L-shaped configurationin a plane transverse to a length of the carrying member 120. In otherwords, the base 121 can have a U-shaped configuration. The receptacle100, in this embodiment, is provided as a U-shaped portion 109 integralto the support bracket 80. The optional liner 110 may be provided as amember 112 with a U-shaped configuration being complimentary to theU-shaped configuration of the base 121.

Thus, the above described receptacle(s) 100 and the carrying member(s)120 provide means for mounting and/or carrying force transmittingmember(s) 150 for a reciprocal linear movement between inlet end 12 andthe outlet end 14. Furthermore, in reference to FIGS. 26-27, the meansfor mounting and/or carrying force transmitting member(s) 150 for areciprocal linear movement exclude rollers, cam followers or wheels.However, in an embodiment, the carrying member 120 can be moved bytracks and cam followers as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,630 issuedto Donovan et al. on Mar. 23, 1993 and whose teaching are incorporatedin entirety by reference thereto.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate an embodiment of a conveyance apparatus 350,wherein loads 2 are advanced by way of elongated members 352 attached toa pair of endless members 354, each being any one of such as a belt,chain or cable. Sprockets 356, or any other suitable members, areprovided to move the elongated members 352 with one or more sprocketsbeing attached to a powered member (not shown), for example such as theabove described powered member 340. The surface(s) 358 of the loadcarrying members 359 that the loads 2 are being supported on duringadvancement could be the above described surfaces 218, 228, 312. Theload carrying member(s) 359 may be even provided as a conventionalpowered or unpowered roller conveyor or a conventional belt conveyor. Inother words, the conveyance apparatus 350 can comprise a roller or beltconveyor. The incremental advancement or indexing of the loads 2 can becontrolled by way of the control member 286. Incremental travel distanceof the load 2 can be used as a control parameter for the control member286. Or, the above described position sensors 272, 274, 276 and 278 canbe used to start and stop operation of the powered member. When two ormore load carrying members 359 are positioned in series with each otheralong the pathway 4, a suitable gap 353 between ends of a pair ofadjacent load carrying members 359 is provided to accommodate passage ofthe elongated member 352.

The present disclosure is also directed to an indexing or ratchet devicefor a conveyor configured to advance a load positioned on a pair ofspaced apart load supporting members, between an inlet end and an outletend of the conveyor.

In an embodiment, the indexing device comprises, in combination,receptacles 100 mounted in a stationary position, in series with eachother, between the inlet and outlet ends and between the pair of spacedapart load supporting members, each receptacle defining a pair ofvertically disposed walls and an interior; a carrying member 120positioned for a reciprocal linear movement between the verticallydisposed walls within the interior; force exerting members 150 disposedin series with each other between the inlet and outlet ends of theconveyor and between the pair of spaced apart load supporting members,each force exerting member comprising a front end and a rear end; apivotal connection 160 between each force exerting member and thecarrying member; each force exerting member pivotable between a loadengaging position and a non-load engaging position on the carryingmember and movable with the carrying member in the reciprocal linearmovement; the front end has at least a portion thereof extendingoutwardly, in the load engaging position, from load supporting surfacesof the spaced apart member and in a abutting relationship with a portionof the load during operation of the indexing device, the abuttingrelationship causing an incremental advancement of the load between theinlet and outlet ends during a linear movement of the carrying member ina first direction; the front end and the rear end being at leastpartially disposed, in the non-load engaging position, below the loadsupporting surfaces during the linear movement of the carrying member inan opposite second direction; and the reciprocal linear movement of theforce exerting members in the first direction advances the load from theinlet end to the outlet end.

In an embodiment, the indexing device for a conveyor configured toadvance a load positioned on a pair of spaced apart load supportingmembers, between an inlet end and an outlet end of the conveyor, theindexing device comprises receptacles 100 mounted in a stationaryposition, in series with each other, between the inlet and outlet endsof the conveyor and between the pair of spaced apart load supportingmembers, each receptacle defining a pair of vertically disposed wallsand an interior; liners 110, each liner comprising a material with a lowfriction coefficient and being disposed within the interior of thereceptacle; a carrying member 120 positioned for a reciprocal linearmovement between liners in each liner; force exerting members 150disposed in series with each other between the inlet and outlet ends ofthe conveyor and between the pair of spaced apart members, each forceexerting member comprising a front end and a rear end; a pivotalconnection 160 between each force exerting member and the carryingmember; each force exerting member pivotable between a load engagingposition and a non-load engaging position on the carrying member andmovable with the carrying member in the reciprocal linear movement; thefront end has at least a portion thereof extending outwardly, in theload engaging position, from load supporting surfaces of the spacedapart member and in a abutting relationship with a portion of the loadduring operation of the indexing device, the abutting relationshipcausing an incremental advancement of the load between the inlet andoutlet ends during a linear movement of the carrying member in a firstdirection; the front end and the rear end being at least partiallydisposed, in the non-load engaging position, below the load supportingsurfaces during the linear movement of the carrying member in anopposite second direction; and the reciprocal linear movement of theforce exerting members in the first direction advances the load from theinlet end to the outlet end.

In an embodiment, an indexing device for a conveyor configured toadvance a load, positioned on a pair of spaced apart load supportingmembers between the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, the indexingdevice comprising receptacles 100 mounted in a stationary position, inseries with each other, between the inlet and outlet ends and betweenthe pair of spaced apart load supporting members, each receptacledefining a pair of vertically disposed walls; liners 110, each linercomprising a low friction material and being coupled to an interior ofeach vertically disposed wall; a carrying member 120 positioned for areciprocal linear movement between liners in each receptacle; a poweredmember 130 configured to provide the reciprocal linear movement; acoupling member 140 comprising one end thereof coupled to the carryingmember and comprising a second end coupled to the powered member; forceexerting members 150 disposed in series with each other between theinlet and outlet ends of the conveyor and between the pair of spacedapart load supporting members, each force exerting member comprising afront end and a rear end, the rear end being heavier than the front end;a pivotal connection 160 between each force exerting member and thecarrying member; each force exerting member pivotable between a loadengaging position and a non-load engaging position on the carryingmember and movable with the carrying member in the reciprocal linearmovement; stops 170, each stop rigidly coupled to the carrying memberand positioned to maintain the front end of a respective force exertingmember in the load engaging position; the front end has at least aportion thereof extending outwardly, in the load engaging position, fromload supporting surfaces of the spaced apart member and in a abuttingrelationship with a portion of the load during operation of the indexingdevice, the abutting relationship causing an incremental advancement ofthe load between the inlet and outlet ends during a linear movement ofthe carrying member in a first direction; the front end and the rear endbeing at least partially disposed, in the non-load engaging position,below the load supporting surfaces during the linear movement of thecarrying member in an opposite second direction; and the reciprocallinear movement of the force exerting members in the first directionadvances the load from the inlet end to the outlet end.

In an embodiment, an indexing device for a conveyor configured toadvance a load between the inlet end and an outlet end of the conveyor,the conveyor comprising a pair of spaced apart load supporting members,a carrying member, gravity rocking advancement pushers pivotally mountedon the carrying member in a spaced apart relationship with each otherbetween the inlet end and the outlet end, a powered member coupled tothe carrying member and operable to move the carrying member with thegravity rocking advancement pushers in the linear direction, theindexing device comprising braces coupled stationary to each loadsupporting member, in series and in a spaced apart relationship witheach other between the inlet end and the outlet end of the conveyor,each brace being disposed transverse to the pair of load supportingmembers; U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracket comprising a pair offlanges coupled stationary to a respective brace and further comprisinga surface disposed substantially horizontally during use of the indexingdevice; receptacles, each receptacle mounted in a stationary position onthe surface, each receptacle comprising a pair of walls disposedvertically in a direction between the inlet end and the outlet endduring operation of the indexing device, the pair of walls defining aninterior of the each receptacle; and liners, each liner comprising amaterial with a low friction coefficient and being disposed within theinterior of a respective receptacle.

The indexing device of any of the above described embodiments can beretrofitted on other type conveyors. In an example, the indexingdevice(s) can be retrofitted on a conveyor as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,195,630 issued to Donovan et al. on Mar. 23, 1993, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference. In this example, theabove described indexing device(s) can be employed to at least replacethe cam follower arrangement in U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,630.

In an example, the indexing device(s) can be retrofitted on a conveyoras disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,212 issued to McIntosh et al. onJun. 14, 1994, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. In this example, the above described indexing device(s) canbe employed to at least replace a dual cylinder and linkage arrangementto pivot force transmitting members or dogs.

The conveyor 10 or 200 can be used in various applications. In anembodiment, the conveyor 10 or 200 can replace belt conveyor 10 a/10 bas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,269,935 B2 issued to Jafari on Sep. 18,2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Thus, the conveyor 10 or 200 can be configured for use in applicationsfor wrapping pavers, bricks, In other words, a machine for wrappingpavers, cement blocks or lumber with flexible film and banner film cancomprise the above described conveyor 10 or 200 or any modificationsthereof. For example, the conveyor 10 can be adapted to move only asingle row of loads during a single stroke of the powered member 130.

In an embodiment, the conveyor 10 or 200 can replace belt conveyor 12 asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,595 B2 issued to Clurket on Aug. 11,2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Thus, the conveyor 10 or 200 can be configured for use in a shrink wraptunnel machine or application. In other words, a shrink wrap tunnelmachine can comprise the above described conveyor 10 or 200 or anymodifications thereof. For example, the conveyor 10 can be adapted tomove only a single row of loads during a single stroke of the poweredmember 130.

In an embodiment, the conveyor 10 or 200 can be integrated within a casepacker for example such as Item PC-2500 “Continuous Motion WraparoundCase Packer” or item 65TW-28 “Tray Wrapper Shrink Packaging System”,both manufactured by ARPAC, LLC of Schaumburg, Ill. Thus, the conveyor10 or 200 can be configured for use in a machine or application forwrapping trayed metal cans, paper cans, glass jars, glass bottles,plastic jars and plastic bottles and boxes. In other words, a machinefor wrapping trayed metal cans, paper cans, glass jars, glass bottles,plastic jars and plastic bottles and boxes can comprise the abovedescribed conveyor 10 or 200 or any modifications thereof. For example,the conveyor 10 can be adapted to move only a single row of loads duringa single stroke of the powered member 130.

The present disclosure is also directed to a kit for production of afree-standing conveyor from a plurality of interfitting parts.

In an embodiment, the kit comprises a frame comprising four tubular endmembers configured for vertical positioning during use of the conveyor,two tubular cross braces and two longitudinal side members, eachlongitudinal side member comprising apertures disposed adjacent andspaced from each end thereof, the longitudinal side members, whenconnected to the four tubular end members, define an inlet end and anoutlet end of the conveyor; load supporting members, each load carryingcomprising a first wall and a second wall with a load supportingsurface, the first wall being disposed generally vertically duringoperation of the conveyor and comprising apertures spaced apart along alength of the each load supporting member and biasing member, eachbiasing member disposed between a peripheral edge of a respectiveaperture and a free edge of the first wall and comprising a firstportion stationary attached to a surface of the first wall of eachmember in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprising an secondportion movable in a relationship to the first portion, the loadsupporting surface being disposed generally horizontally duringoperation of the conveyor; braces; clamps, each clamp comprising a pairof portions fastened to each other during operation of the conveyor;U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracket comprising a pair of flanges,each of the pair of flanges being coupled rigidly to one of the pair ofportions of each clamp, each U-shaped bracket further comprising asurface disposed substantially horizontally during use of the conveyor;L-shaped members, each L-shaped member having one leg thereof configuredfor fastening to the surface of the each U-shaped bracket duringassembly of the conveyor; liners, each liner comprising a low frictionmaterial and being coupled to an interior surface of another leg of arespective L-shaped member; elongated carrying members; a powered membercomprising a stationary portion and a movable portion thereof beingconfigured for a reciprocal linear movement; a linkage comprising a linkhaving a means for a pivotal connection with a distal end of the movablemember and flanges disposed in a spaced apart relationship on and fromone exterior surface of the link; plurality of coupling members, eachcoupling member comprising one end thereof configured for coupling, withfasteners, to a respective carrying member and comprising a second endthereof configured for coupling, with fasteners, to the link; forceexerting members, each force exerting member comprising a front end anda rear end, the rear end being heavier than the front end; a pivotalconnection between each force exerting member and a respective carryingmember; and stops, each stop being rigidly coupled to each carryingmember in a proximity to a respective pivotal connection.

The kit can be also configured in accordance with any other embodimentdescribed herewithin and thus, the detail description of such kit(s) isomitted herein for the sake of brevity.

In an embodiment, a conveyor for advancing a plurality of rows of loadswith a plurality of loads in each row, comprises a frame defining aninlet end and an outlet end of the conveyor, the frame comprising endmembers and a pair of side members, each side member coupled to a pairof end members in a direction between the inlet end and the outlet end;a pair of outer load supporting members extending between the inlet andoutlet ends of the conveyor, each outer load supporting memberscomprising a first wall coupled to a respective side member and a secondwall with a load supporting surface, the load supporting surface beingdisposed generally horizontally during operation of the conveyor; innerload supporting members extending between the inlet and outlet ends ofthe conveyor, the inner load supporting members positioned in a spacedapart relationship with each other between the pair of outer loadsupporting members, each inner load supporting member comprising, afirst wall and a second wall with a load supporting surface, the firstwall of the each inner load supporting member being disposed generallyvertically during operation of the conveyor and comprising an aperture,the load supporting surface of the each inner load supporting memberbeing disposed generally horizontally during operation of the conveyor;first braces coupled stationary, at each end thereof, to each sidemember of the frame, in series and in a spaced apart relationship witheach other between the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, each firstbrace disposed substantially transverse to the inner and outer loadsupporting members and passing through aligned apertures in each loadsupporting member; clamps caging each first brace and disposed in pairsbetween first walls of a pair of adjacent members, each clamp comprisinga pair of portions fastened to each other during operation of theconveyor; biasing members, each biasing member comprising a firstportion stationary attached to a surface of the first wall of each inneror outer load supporting member in an alignment with a respective clampand comprising a second portion movable in a relationship to the firstportion and having one end thereof positioned in an abuttingrelationship with the respective clamp so as to bias each brace with anupper edge of each aperture during use of the conveyor; U-shapedbrackets, each U-shaped bracket comprising a pair of flanges, each ofthe pair of flanges being coupled rigidly to one of the pair of portionsof each clamp, each U-shaped bracket further comprising a surfacedisposed substantially horizontally during use of the conveyor; anindexing device mounted on the U-shaped brackets; a powered memberconfigured to provide a reciprocal linear movement, the powered memberhaving one end thereof coupled to the frame; and a linkage connecting anopposite end of the powered member with the indexing device.

In an embodiment, a conveyor is configured to advance a load andcomprises a frame defining an inlet end and an outlet end of theconveyor; a device mounted on the frame and configured to incrementallyadvance the load in a direction from the inlet to the outlet end; and adevice mounted on the frame and configured to move the load, disposed atthe outlet end only, in a direction from the outlet end to the inlet endprior to discharge of the load from the outlet end.

In an embodiment, a method of advancing a load in a linear directionfrom an inlet end of a conveyor past an outlet end thereof comprisesadvancing the load, with a first device comprising a first portionthereof stationary mounted on the conveyor and a second portion thereofreciprocally movable in the linear direction and comprising gravityrocking advancement pushers abutting a portion of the load duringmovement from the inlet end to the outlet end; moving, with a seconddevice, the load, disposed at the outlet end only, in a direction fromthe outlet end to the inlet end prior to discharge of the load from theoutlet end; and moving the load, with the gravity rocking advancementpushers past the outlet end to discharge the load from the conveyor.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to minimize horizontallydisposed surfaces that span a distance between the inlet and outlet endsand that are positioned below the load supporting surfaces. This aspectis at least advantageous in sanitary applications to at least minimizecollection of debris or waste product falling from loads carried on loadsupporting surfaces.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to use independent forceexerting members to move the load positioned at the outlet end only in adirection toward the inlet end, with such independent force exertingmembers being operable by an independent powered member.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to use only a singlepowered member to incrementally move or advance a plurality of loads,positioned in a plurality of rows across a width of the conveyor, duringa single stroke of the single powered member.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to use only a singlepowered member to move a plurality of loads, positioned in a single rowacross a width of the conveyor.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to engage the loads withforce exerting members and advance the loads positioned and supportedonly on load supporting surfaces.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to move the loads withforce exerting members in a first direction from inlet end to the outletend and move the force exerting members in an opposite second directionwithout moving the loads in such second direction

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to maintain position of theload carrying members in a vertical direction only with members that aredisposed transverse to such load supporting members.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to maintain the loadsupporting members in tension with side members of the conveyor framewith one or more braces disposed transverse to such load supportingmembers.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to move loads in absence ofload supporting surface(s) being chain type conveyor surface(s).

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured for use as a free standingconveyor.

In an embodiment, two or more conveyors can be coupled together, in aseries with each other along the travel path, at the side membersthereof.

In an embodiment, two or more conveyors can be coupled togetherlaterally, transverse to the travel path, to increase number of rows ofthe load.

In an embodiment, two or more conveyors can be coupled together, in aseries with each other along the travel path, at the side membersthereof and can be further coupled together laterally, transverse to thetravel path, as is best shown in FIG. 25.

In any of the embodiments, the conveyor, indexing device or method cancomprise a controller or a control circuit to control operation of thepowered device(s) and sensors. The controller or the control circuit cancomprise any one of electric components, pneumatic components, hydrauliccomponents and any combination thereof. The selection of controlcomponents at least partially depends on the selection of the drivemember 130, 190. As been described above, the control circuit forpneumatic or hydraulic drive member 130, 190 comprises at least solenoidvalves. It would be understood that in applications with the drivemember 130, 190 of electrical type, the control circuit will notcomprise valves and will generally comprise relays, motor drivers andother suitable control components.

In any of the embodiments, the force transmitting member 150, beingillustrated as a one-piece unitary device pivotally mounted on one sideof the movable carrying member can be provided as a pair of members 150,each pivotally mounted on each side of the carrying member 120.

In an embodiment, a conveyor for incrementally advancing or indexing aplurality of rows of loads with a plurality of loads in each rowcomprises a frame; a powered member coupled to the frame; and aconveyance means for incrementally advancing or indexing the pluralityof rows of loads with the plurality of loads in each row. In an example,the conveyance means comprises the braces 70, the brackets 80, thereceptacles 100, the carrying members 120, the load supporting members210 and 220, and the gravity dropout force transmitting members 150pivotally mounted on the carrying members 120. In an example, theconveyance means comprises the braces 270, the brackets 80, thereceptacles 100, a single carrying member 120, a pair of load supportingmembers 220, and gravity dropout force transmitting members 150pivotally mounted on the carrying member 120. In an example, theconveyance means comprises chains 322 and gravity dropout forcetransmitting members 150 pivotally mounted on the chains 322.

In an embodiment, the conveyance system can be configured to fully, orpartially, capture with precise placement the load being any one of box,case, container, board, cart, crate, pallet, circuit board, book/bounditem (including newspaper), bundle, mold, device, component, wheel,tray, bag/sack, or other ridged or semi-ridged item that can be indexedfor a process, timed hold, or general conveyance.

In an embodiment, the conveyance system can be manually operated orautomated.

In an embodiment, the conveyance system can use an energy operatedsource (air, hydraulic, electric, etc.) or can be moved by a person, orother.

In an embodiment, the conveyance can be made out of virtually anymaterials; wood, aluminum, steel, stainless, steel or other.

In an embodiment, the conveyor is configured to enable a conveyance thatcan be easily cleaned, easily maintained, with minimal standardizedparts, easily disassembled and reassembled for shipment, with sufficientclearances (more than a half an inch near any moving part) tominimize/mitigate safety concerns, while having the ability toaccurately place/stage the product in a precise location on every cycle.There are many reasons a product may be in a precise location such asfilling a specific ingredient, multiple ingredients and single ormultiple stations, time delay (time lapse) to allow for a process tomeet thresholds before a next step (heating, cooling, freezing,liquefying, vaporizing, boiling, cooking, culturing, basting,fermenting, etc.), mixing, assembling, welding, soldering, mounting,forming (including box forming or tray forming), threading,attaching/affixing, extraction or removing, cutting, filing, deburring,drilling, milling, applicators, wrapping, banding, strapping, shrinkwrapping, bundling, stacking, compacting, gluing, printing, labelling,inflating, deflating, prepping for shipment (packing foam or other)scanning, painting, coloring, cleaning, sanitizing, curing, seasoning,chemical reaction or a variety of other applications.

In an embodiment, the conveyance system can be configured withadjustable legs or feet, with a minimal frame, in this case a tee bar.The adjustable legs or feet allow for floors sloped with drainage, or toset an elevation that is best suited for the end user.

In an embodiment, a frame of the conveyor is simple in design tominimize redundancy in parts, and limits/mitigates interferences whichcould hinder the serviceability.

In an embodiment, the load supporting member in a shape of a tee barallows for a suitable surface area for the product or load 2 to travelon without the necessity for a solid top, or near solid top, and allowsfor clean ability.

In an embodiment, the conveyance system can be adapted with uniformbracketry that allows for multiple options to/for connection to otherconveyors, devices or equipment; so the indexing table can be standalone or interface with other equipment or a table, robot, gripper, orfall/slide/other into a bin/pallet/crate/box or other means of infeedhandling or discharge handling. Covers can also be implemented forcylinders or chains, or other devises that need a cover in case of aleak, or ruptured hose or seal, etc.

In an embodiment, a drive system (powered device) can be any one of manydevice types, such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder,mechanized chain or mechanized bar (or other stock), servo or any otherdevise to advance or retract the indexers.

In an embodiment, indexers, or indexing bars, or carrying membersattached with a multilane linkage move multiple products linearly or atan incline, vertical, upside down (utilizing a retractable or gravitypusher bar(s), hook(s), magnet(s), vacuum/suction cup(s), or other) witha forward and return or cyclical stroke with a repeatable motion or avariable motion. The indexers can be placed along-side each other tohave an overlapping design for the transfer of product, or inline designto push the product over the return position of the next indexing bar inthe sequence.

In an embodiment, the indexers can have a single contactor per indexeror multiple contactors per indexer (a contactor would be any means ofcontacting or conveying the product; retractable or gravity pusher bar,a vacuum/suction cup, a magnet, a hook, or other).

In an embodiment, the conveyance system can be configured with anoptional hood to cover the conveyor from dust, overhead dripping, orother airborne items that could cause contamination of the product, ormake the product unsuitable. The hood can be configured to span thewidth and length of the conveyor with a removable piece that bridgesfrom one lanes hood to the adjoining lanes hood, with a built in slopebased on a bracket that affixes to the legs of the conveyor. Theremovable piece can be set into a formed receptacle on the perimeter ofthe hood, which lifts out for cleaning, and the removable piece also hasa formed edge that retains it in the trough. Under hood,lighting/spectrum packages can be also available.

In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides an apparatusor a machine for processing material or loads 2 that is conveyed by anyof the above described embodiments.

In particular embodiments, such machine is a case packer.

In particular embodiments, such machine is a shrink wrap machine.

In particular embodiments, such machine is an oven that is configured tocook or bake, with electrical resistance, dough transported on theconveyors in special bread containers with electrically conductive pans.

The particular embodiments of the present disclosure generally provideapparatus and method for cooking or baking dough with electricalresistance.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus for cooking or baking doughwith electrical resistance comprises device(s) configured and operableto connect voltage to container(s) containing dough between a pair ofmetal pans.

Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary device450 configured and operable to connect voltage to container(s)containing dough between a pair of metal pans. The exemplary device 450comprises a body 454. The body 454 can be manufactured from anelectrically non-conductive material, for example such as UHMWpolyethylene or equivalent. Phenolic material may be also employedherewithin. One edge of the body 454, referenced with numeral 456, mayoptionally comprise a pair of beveled surface portions 458 convergingtoward one another to define a generally pointed edge 456 that can besharp or rounded. The edge 456 can also comprise one or more radiiinstead of the beveled surface portions 458 or any other surface featurereducing the width of the edge 456 relative to a width of the body 454.A mounting portion 470 extends from a surface 460 of the body 454. Thesurface 460 may define one end of the body 456 and may be disposed in aplane normal to the plane of the edge 456, although other angularrelationships are also contemplated herewithin. The mounting portion 470can comprise or define an elongated member 472. The elongated member 472may be partially inserted into a bore 462 in the body 454, the bore 462being in an open communication with the surface 460. Or, one end 474 ofthe elongated member 472 can be configured for fastening to the surface460. The device 450 further comprises an electrically conductive memberor an electrode 480 extending from a surface 464 of the body 454. Thesurface 464 is illustrated as being disposed longitudinally opposite thesurface 460 and defines a longitudinally or an axially opposite end ofthe body 454. The electrode 480 may comprise an L-shaped member 482having one leg 484 thereof secured to the surface 464 of the body 454and an electrically conductive portion 488 having one end thereofsecured to another leg 486 of the L-shaped member 482. The conductiveportion 488 has been illustrated as having a pair of flat surfaces butcan be provided in any other shapes.

Wires 490 are connected to the electrode 480, for example at one or morestuds 492 and couple or connect the electrically conductive member 488to a voltage source. The wires 490 may be passed or routed through athrough bore 494 in the body 454. The wires may be routed on theexterior surface of the body 454, or even in a separate conduit (notshown).

In an example, the device 450 can be mounted stationary with the objectbeing moved in to the operative position, for example by way of aconveyor, for example such as any of the above described conveyors.

In an example, the device 450 can be mounted for a movement in a respectto a stationary object.

In an example, the device 450 can be mounted for a movement in a respectto a movable object.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus for cooking or baking doughwith electrical resistance comprises an oven integrated into a conveyorline.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus for cooking or baking doughwith electrical resistance comprises an oven integrated into aproduction line.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus for cooking or baking doughwith electrical resistance comprises an oven that is configured to cookor bake multiple batches of dough.

The oven can be also referred to as a machine for cooking or bakingdough with electrical resistance.

Now referring to the drawings, FIGS. 31-34 illustrate and exemplaryembodiment of the apparatus 500 configured and operable to cook or bakedough with electrical resistance. The apparatus 500 can be also referredto as an oven. The apparatus 500 can be also referred to as anelectrical resistance oven.

The exemplary oven 500 of FIGS. 31-34 comprises a frame 508 and theabove described devices 450 configured and operable to connect voltageto an object or load. In an example, as will be explained further inthis document, such object can be a container. More specifically, suchcontainer can be a container assembly 600 or a bread box with a pair ofmetal pans and containing dough between the pair of metal pans to becooked by way of electrical resistance. The container assembly 600 isdescribed further in this document.

The exemplary frame 508 is best shown in FIGS. 33-34. The exemplaryframe 508 is configured and operable to mount and move the abovedescribed device(s) 450. The exemplary frame 508 comprises a first frame510. The first frame 510 is configured as a stationary frame during useor after assembly of the apparatus 500. The first frame 510 has a hollowinterior 511 defined by peripheral members 512, 514, 516 and 518, allrigidly affixed therebetween by welding, adhesives or fastening. Suchperipheral members 512, 514, 516 and 518 may be provided as hollowtubular members to reduce weight of the first frame 510. Such peripheralmembers 512, 514, 516 and 518 may be disposed coplanar (i.e. in the sameplane) with each other. The first frame 510 may further comprise two ormore optional legs 519 that are generally positioned vertically tosupport the peripheral members 512, 514, 516 and 518 in the generallyhorizontal plane during use of the apparatus 500.

The exemplary frame 508 also comprises a second frame 520. The secondframe 520 also has a hollow interior 521 defined by peripheral members522, 524, 526 and 528, all rigidly affixed therebetween by welding,adhesives or fastening. The second frame 520 can be sized and shaped tofit within the hollow interior 511 of the first frame 510 during use ofthe apparatus 500. Such peripheral members 522, 524, 526 and 528 may beprovided as hollow tubular members to reduce weight of the second frame520. Such peripheral members 522, 524, 526 and 528 may be disposedcoplanar (i.e. in the same plane) with each other. As it will beexplained later, the second frame 520 is mounted for a movement in agenerally horizontal plane during use of the apparatus 500.

The exemplary frame 508 also comprises a third frame 530. During use ofthe apparatus 500, the third frame 530 is positioned below the secondframe 520. The third frame 530 also has a hollow interior 531 defined byperipheral members 532, 534, 536 and 538 rigidly affixed therebetween bywelding, adhesives or fastening. The third frame 530 can be sized andshaped to fit within the hollow interior 511 of the first frame 510. Thethird frame 530 may be sized generally equally to the second frame 520.Such peripheral members 532, 534, 536 and 538 may be provided as hollowtubular members to reduce weight of the third frame 530. Such peripheralmembers 532, 534, 536 and 538 may be disposed coplanar (i.e. in the sameplane) with each other. As it will be explained later, the third frame530 is mounted for a movement in both generally horizontal and generallyvertical planes during use of the apparatus 500.

The first, second and third frames, 510, 520 and 530, respectively, areinterconnected therebetween during use or after assembly of theapparatus 500 in the following manner. Slide or track assemblies 540,best shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, are provided. Four slide or trackassemblies 540 have been illustrated, which each slide assembly 540positioned adjacent a respective corner of the first frame 510. Eachslide or track assembly 540 comprises a first member 542 with a workingsurface 544. First member 542 is stationary mounted on the interior ofthe first frame 510 and, more particularly on an interior surface of theopposite peripheral members, referenced with numerals 512 and 516. Suchworking surface 544 is positioned generally horizontally during use ofthe apparatus 500. The first member 542 is adapted with a pair of endstops 545 extending above the working surface 544. Each slide or trackassembly 540 also includes a second member 546 with the working surface548 that is disposed at an angle or inclined relative to the workingsurface 544. The second member 546 is rigidly and stationary coupled tothe first member 544 and/or the first frame 510, for example by awelding method or being manufactured with the first member 542 as aone-piece member, for example by a casting or molding process. Carriages550 are also provided. Each carriage 550 comprises a first roller 552that is rotatably affixed on the exterior of the second frame 520 and isadapted to roll on the working surface 544 during use of the apparatus500. A second roller 554 is rotatably affixed on the exterior of thethird frame 530 and is adapted to roll on the working surface 548 duringuse of the apparatus 500. Each carriage 550 also comprises a link 556that is coupled to the first and second rollers, 552 and 554respectively, so that both first and second rollers, 552 and 554respectively, rotate on the link 556 and have to move together duringoperation of the apparatus 500.

In a further reference to FIGS. 31-34, the exemplary apparatus 500further comprises a powered mover 560. Such powered mover 560 isconfigured to generate a linear motion. Such powered mover 560 can befor example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, that has a piston end 562affixed to the first frame 510 and has a rod end 564 thereof affixed tothe second frame 520. One or both of the piston end 562 and rod end 564can be affixed in a pivotal connection. The powered mover 560 isillustrated as being attached at the outlet end of the apparatus 500.FIG. 32 illustrates position of the second frame 520 and the third frame530 prior to actuation of the powered mover 560. FIG. 34 illustratesposition of the second frame 520 and the third frame 530 after actuationof the powered mover 560. During operation of the apparatus 500, thepowered mover 560 is actuated to move the second frame 520 in ahorizontal direction. In a particular reference to FIG. 34, suchmovement of the second frame 520 causes the first roller 552 to movehorizontally on the working surface 544 from left to right and furthercauses the second roller 554 to move upwardly on the inclined workingsurface 548. The movement of the second roller 554 causes the movementof the third frame 530 in both horizontal and vertical directions. Thethird frame 530 is configured to move upwardly toward the second frame520. When the powered mover 560 is deactuated, the first roller 552moves from right to left in FIG. 34 into the position shown in FIG. 32causing the third frame 530 to move downwardly away from the secondframe 520.

In other embodiments, the powered mover 560 can be also an electricallypowered drive. In an example, such electrically powered drive can be asolenoid. In an example, such electrically powered drive can comprise ascrew and nut components, with the nut being connected to the secondframe 520 and translating on the screw. In an example, such electricallypowered drive could be of a magnetic rack and pinion type with thepinion rotatably mounted on the first frame 510 and the rack mountedstationary on the second frame 520.

In a further reference to FIGS. 30-32, the exemplary apparatus 500comprises the above described device(s) 450 that are connected to thethird frame 530 and that move in both the horizontal and verticaldirections or planes during movement of the second frame 520 and thethird frame 530. The devices 450 are provided in pairs, with one device450 configured to connect a positive voltage and the second device 450configured to connect a negative voltage. The number of pairs of devices450 depends on the number of individual container/dough batches to bebaked or cooked at one time.

To attach or couple the devices 450, the apparatus 500 is adapted withrails 570 and brackets 574. As is best shown in FIGS. 33-34, eachbracket 574 is configured as a U-shaped bracket and is affixed rigidlyto a peripheral member of the third frame 530. A pair of brackets 574 isaffixed to opposite peripheral members of the third frame 530,referenced with numerals 532 and 536 and are aligned therebetween toreceive ends 572 of one rail 570. The brackets 574 are illustrated asbeing attached to interior opposite surfaces of the peripheral members532 and 536 of the third frame 530, planar with the third frame 530, butcan be also mounted lower or higher. An optional locking member 576 canbe provided to engage each bracket 574 so as to cage the end 572 andprevent unintentional disengagement of the end 572 from a respectivebracket 574 during use of the apparatus 500. The locking member 576,when provided, is configured to be easily removed from the bracket 574for insertion or removal of the rail 570.

Further, apparatus 500 comprises clamping members or means that areconfigured to affix, in a stationary manner, each device 450 to the rail570. In an embodiment, such clamping member can be the exemplaryclamping member 580 that comprises a body 582, a first bore 584 sizedand shaped to receive the mounting portion 470 therethrough, a secondbore 586 oriented in a direction generally normal to a direction of thefirst bore 584, a first clamp 588 configured to secure the mountingportion 470 received within the first bore 584 and a second clamp 590configured to secure the clamping member 580 to the rail 570 passedthrough or received within the second bore 586. The first clamp 588,when actuated, prevents movement of the device 450 in a verticaldirection. The second clamp 590, when actuated, prevents movement of thedevice 450 along a length of the rail 570. During assembly of theapparatus 500, the clamping member 580 can be clamped onto the device450 first and the rail 570 second or vise-versa. In an embodiment, theclamping member can be permanently attached to the mounting portion 470,eliminating a need for at least the first clamp 588. In an example, thebody 582 and the mounting portion 470 can be provided as a unitarymember by a casting or molding process. In an embodiment, the clampingmember 580 can be provided integral with the rail 570 eliminating atleast a need for the second clamp 590. In an example, the body 582 canbe provided as abutment(s) on the rail 570 and machined and assembled toincorporate the first bore 584 and first clamp 588.

Now in reference to FIGS. 35-36, therein is illustrated the exemplaryapparatus 500 being configured to cook or bake dough in containerstransmitted on a conveyor 10 that is positioned below the second andthird frames, 520 and 530 respectively. The conveyor 10 can be adaptedfor attachment to the first frame 510 or the previously described frame20 can be adapted to also function as the first frame 510. The conveyor10 in this embodiment can be provided with the kickback device 180 whenthe outlet or discharge end 504 is positioned adjacent another conveyorconfigured to move container assemblies 600 with cooked or baked doughin a direction normal to the pathway 506. The conveyor 10 in thisembodiment can be provided without the kickback device 180 when theoutlet or discharge end 504 is positioned adjacent another conveyor 10configured to move container assemblies 600 with cooked or baked doughin a direction along to the pathway 506, for example to allow the cookedor baked dough to cool or settle prior to changing travel direction.

Furthermore, the embodiment of FIGS. 35-36 provides the exemplaryapparatus 500 being configured for cooking or baking twenty (20)individual containers with dough, positioned in four rows with each rowcontaining five containers. However, the width of the apparatus 500 canbe adjusted to accommodate a different quantity of the containers, evento accommodate a single row of containers. In other words, the apparatus500 can be configured in a combination with the above described conveyor200. Furthermore, a length of the apparatus 500 can be adjusted toaccommodate a single container. In other words, in its minimum form, theapparatus 500 can be configured to cook or bake a single batch of dough.

It is contemplated herewithin that the apparatus 500 can employ variousconveyor types. In an embodiment, the conveyor can be a conventionalbelt or roller type conveyor. In an embodiment, the conveyor can be ofan indexing type conveyor so as to incrementally advance the containersfrom the inlet end 502 of the apparatus 500 to the outlet or dischargeend 504 thereof. In an embodiment, the indexing conveyor can be of abi-directional ratchet conveyor type as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,320,212 issued to McIntosh et al. on Jun. 14, 1994 and whose teachingsare incorporated in its entirety by reference.

In any of the conveyor embodiments, the conveyor is configured to moveeach container into a position under a pair of devices 450, with onedevice 450 from the pair of devices 450 connecting positive voltage andanother device 450 from the pair of devices 450 connecting negativevoltage.

It is not necessary that a length of the conveyor between the inlet end502 and the outlet end 502 be equal to the length of the frame 508. Inother words, the length of the conveyor can be smaller or greater thanthe length of the frame. It is also contemplated that ends of twodistinct conveyors can abut each other within the frame 508. In otherwords, the conveyor has to be at least partially positioned within theframe 508. The conveyor can be provided as integral to the apparatus 500or can be provided as a component of a production line with theapparatus 500 being operatively positioned for alignment with thecontainer assemblies 600.

FIGS. 37-42 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container assembly600 that can be used with the apparatus 500 for the purpose of cookingor baking dough. Such exemplary container assembly 600 comprises acontainer 601 with a bottom member 602, defining a closed end of thecontainer 601, first members 604 upstanding on the bottom 602, at eachend thereof, and defining closed ends of the container 601. The bottommember 602 may have an optional exterior void 603. Second members 606are also provided and define partially open sides of the container 601.Each second member 606 is being rigidly connected at each end thereof toan edge of a respective first member 604. The second members 606 arebeing disposed in a spaced apart relationship with each other. Thesecond members 606 can be of varying sizes. The container 601 ismanufactured from or comprises a non-electrically conductive material.The container assembly 600 further comprises two pans 610, best shown inFIGS. 41-42, that are positioned during use at the opposing sides of thecontainer 601. The pans 610 are sized to cover the partially open sidesof the container 601 and define a hollow interior 608 that receivesdough to be baked or cooked. Each pan 610 is manufactured from anelectrically conductive material and is adapted with one or more flanges612. A bottom edge of the pan 610 can be smaller than the edge with theone or more flanges 612 for ease of insertion into the container 601,particularly by robotic devices (not shown). In other words, the sidesof the pan 610 are tapered toward the bottom edge 613. It will beunderstood that the container 601 can be configured to tapercomplimentary to the tapers of the pan 610. The container assembly 600also comprises two electrodes or electrically conductive members 614.Each electrode 614 is disposed, during use, in a direct contact with arespective pan 610 and defines a generally unobstructed bottom surface616 and a side surface 618. In an example, the electrode 614 can bemanufactured from or comprise a copper or an aluminum material. Theelectrode 614 can comprise tubular or solid cross-section. The electrode614 can be welded or spotwelded to the flange 612 or affixed by othermechanical means, for example such as crimping or staking. The electrode614 can be also caged within the container assembly 600 between theflange 612 and a notch 605 in the first member 604. In an embodiment,the electrode 614 can comprise the flange 612 adapted with twoadditional flanges 616 and 618 to define a tubular shape of theelectrode 614. During use, each electrode 614 conducts or connectsvoltage to a respective pan 610.

FIGS. 43-46 illustrate operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 30-36 in acombination with the conveyor 10 of FIGS. 1-15 and the containerassembly 600 of FIGS. 37-42.

As is shown in FIG. 43, the exemplary apparatus 500 is configured toprocess 20 containers 600 simultaneously with each other. In general,the number of container assemblies 600 depends on the length of the timethat dough needs to be cooked or baked and desired production output.The container assemblies 600 are moved by the conveyor 10 into thepositions under the devices 450 from the inlet end 502 along the flowpath 506. During movement of the container assemblies 600 each forceexerting member 150 engages an edge of the void 603 in the closed bottommember 602 of the container 601 and incrementally pushes the containerassembly 600 in a flow direction 506 due to operation of the poweredmember 130. When the stroke of the powered member 130 is completed, thedirection of the powered member 130 is reversed, by a control unit 286,and the force exerting members 150 travel opposite the flow path 506pivoting downwardly under the unvoided portions of the closed bottom602.

The length or height of the body 454 can be sized such that the bottomsurface 464 is disposed below the top of the container 600. The edge 456on each device 450 can be also positioned to face the inlet end 502 orin a direction opposite to the flow path 506. The tapered surfaces 458then easily accommodate variances in the spacing between a pair ofadjacent container assemblies 600 due movement of the containerassemblies 600 due to motion of the conveyor 10, 200 and at leastprevent if not eliminate collision of the container assemblies 600 withthe devices 450 during movement along the flow path 506.

FIG. 44 illustrates a partial 3-D side view of the apparatus of FIGS.35-36. FIG. 45 illustrates a partial perspective end view of theapparatus of FIGS. 35-36. FIG. 46 illustrates a partial 3-D side view ofthe apparatus of FIGS. 35-36.

In a further reference to FIGS. 43-45, as container assemblies 600 movein respect to the devices 450, the electrodes 488 are spaced a distance,in a vertical direction, from the electrodes 614. The distance issufficient to allow unobstructed movement of the container assemblies600.

When the container assembly 600 is being positioned within the frame 508of the apparatus 500, by way of the conveyor 10, and aligned with arespective pair of devices 450, the electrodes 488 do not contact thepans 610 and, more particularly, with the electrodes 614. When thepositioning or alignment is completed, the powered member 560 isactuated to extend the rod end 564 and lift the third frame 530. Liftingmovement of the third frame 530 causes the lifting movement of thedevices 450 and further causes a contact between the electrode 480 and abottom surface 616 of the electrode 614 of a respective pan 610, as isbest shown in FIG. 46.

When the electrodes 488 are in a direct contact with the electrode, 614,the voltage is supplied to each electrode 488 through wires 490 andsubsequently to the pans 610 through electrodes 614, initiating thecooking or baking process. Thus, when two electrodes 488 connectvoltages of different polarities to opposing pans 610, the electricalresistance is generated and passed through the dough, thus enablingbaking or cooking thereof. After the dough has been sufficiently baskedor cooked, as determined by the dough type, the powered mover 560 isactuated so that the movable portion 564 thereof moves in an oppositedirection (opposite of the flow path 506), causing the downward movementof the electrodes 488 and disengagement of the electrodes 488 from theelectrodes 614. The container assemblies 600 are now allowed to bemoved, by way of the conveyor 10, to and through the outlet or dischargeend 504 and the new batch of the container assemblies 600 is moved intothe positions underneath or below the devices 450 from the inlet orintake end 502. It must be noted that the voltage can be suppliedcontinuously to the electrodes 488, particularly when the containers 601are manufactured from an electrically non-conductive material. Duringcooking or baking process, the dough can rise above the flange 612 andaccumulate on the surface thereof. This condition does not affect theoperation of the electrodes 488 that contact the container assembly 600at the surface 616, which is opposite, in a vertical direction, from thesurface of the flange 612. This overcomes problems of existing methodswhere the electrode contacts the top flange that may be covered,partially or completely, with risen dough. If the dough covers a portionof the top flange where the electrode is configured to contact it, theelectrode may not establish required contact with the flange, thusresulting in an inconsistent cooking or baking of the dough. In otherwords, the electrode when contacting the top surface of the flange mayhave to press through the dough acting as an electrical insulator.Contact of the electrode 488 with the bottom surface 616 of theelectrode 614 overcomes this problem. Thus, even when the doughoverflows the flange 612 and drips down along the vertical surface 618of the electrode 614, the contact quality or electrical continuitybetween the electrode 488 and the surface 616 is unaffected. Contact ofthe electrodes 488 with a bottom surface 616 of the electrode 614overcomes disadvantages of electrodes contacting the top surface of theflange 612 that may be covered, either partially or completely, withdough.

In an embodiment, the subject matter provides a device 450.

In an embodiment, the subject matter provides an apparatus 500.

In an embodiment, the subject matter provides an apparatus 500 with aconveyor, that can be a conveyor 10 or 200.

In an embodiment, the subject matter provides a container assembly 600.

In an embodiment, the subject matter provides an apparatus 500 with aconveyor, that can be a conveyor 10 or 200, and container assemblies600.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for cooking or baking dough comprises afirst frame mounted stationary and having a hollow interior; a secondframe mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane and beingsized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the first frame; athird frame mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane andin a generally vertical plane, the third frame being sized and shaped tofit within the hollow interior of the first frame; a powered moverconfigured to generate a linear motion, the powered mover comprising afirst portion thereof affixed to the first frame and having a movablesecond portion thereof affixed to the second frame; slide or trackassemblies mounted stationary on an interior of the first frame in aspaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or track assemblycomprising a first track with a generally horizontal working surface anda second track with a working surface that is disposed on an incline tothe generally horizontal working surface; and roller assemblies, eachroller assembly comprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on anexterior of the second frame, a second roller affixed for a rotation onan exterior of the third frame and a rigid link connecting the first andsecond rollers.

Although the apparatus 500 has been described above with the frame 508containing a stationary frame 510 and two moving frames 520, 530 anddevices 450 being stationary mounted on rails 570, other embodiments canbe used herewithin.

FIG. 47 illustrates a partial end view of an embodiment of the apparatus500, wherein each device 450 is directly coupled to a powered member560′. Such power member 560′ can be a cylinder or a solenoid. Themounting portion 470 can define the movable portion of such poweredmember 560′. In this embodiment, the apparatus 500 can comprise a singleframe, for example such as the above described first frame 510 or thethird frame 530 that is stationary mounted. The rail 570 can be rigidlyand permanently affixed to the single frame or can be detachablyattached with the above described brackets 574. The carriages 550 withrollers 552 and 554 are not required in this embodiment. The poweredmember 560′ can be configured for mounting below the device 450.

FIG. 48 illustrates a partial end view of an embodiment of the apparatus500, wherein the frame 508 is provided as a single frame, for examplesuch as the first frame 510, stationary mounted and wherein each rail570 is movably mounted to the opposite peripheral members of the frame510 by way of powered members 560″. The devices 450 can be coupled tothe rail 570 with the above described clamping member 580. The carriage550 with rollers 552 and 554 are not required in this embodiment.powered members 560″ can be mounted below the rail(s) 570.

In an embodiment, the rail 570 of FIG. 47 or the peripheral members ofthe first frame 510 can be suspended, for example with rigid orsemi-flexible rods (not shown), from an overhead structure, for examplesuch as roof trusses, essentially eliminating a need for a floor mountedframe.

In an embodiment, the carriage 550 with rollers 552 and 554 can beaffixed to each end of the rail 470, thus eliminating a need for thethird frame 530.

In an embodiment, a device configured and operable to connect voltage toa container containing dough comprises a body with a bore; a mountingportion extending from one end of the body; an electrode extending froma longitudinally opposite end of the body, the electrode comprising anL-shaped member having one leg thereof secured to the opposite end ofthe body and an electrically conductive member having one end thereofsecured to another leg of the L-shaped member; and wires passed throughthe bore in the body and coupling the electrically conductive member toa voltage source. In this embodiment, the mounting portion can comprisean elongated member. In this embodiment, the device can further comprisea clamping member comprising a first bore sized and shaped to receivethe mounting portion therethrough, a second bore oriented in a directiongenerally normal to a direction of the first bore, a first clampconfigured to secure the mounting portion received within the first boreand a second clamp configured to secure another member received withinthe second bore. In this embodiment, one edge of the body comprises apair of beveled portions.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for cooking or baking dough, comprises afirst frame mounted stationary and having a hollow interior; a secondframe mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane and beingsized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the first frame; athird frame mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane andin a generally vertical plane, the third frame being sized and shaped tofit within the hollow interior of the first frame; a powered moverconfigured to generate a linear motion, the powered mover comprising afirst portion thereof affixed to the first frame and having a movablesecond portion thereof affixed to the second frame; slide or trackassemblies mounted stationary on an interior of the first frame in aspaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or track assemblycomprising a first track with a generally horizontal working surface anda second track with a working surface that is disposed on an incline tothe generally horizontal working surface; and roller assemblies, eachroller assembly comprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on anexterior of the second frame, a second roller affixed for a rotation onan exterior of the third frame and a rigid link connecting the first andsecond rollers.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for cooking or baking dough, comprises afirst frame mounted stationary and having a hollow interior; a secondframe mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane and beingsized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the first frame; athird frame mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane andin a generally vertical plane, the third frame being sized and shaped tofit within the hollow interior of the first frame; a powered moverconfigured to generate a linear motion, the powered mover comprising afirst portion thereof affixed to the first frame and having a movablesecond portion thereof affixed to the second frame; slide or trackassemblies mounted stationary on an interior of the first frame in aspaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or track assemblycomprising a first track with a generally horizontal working surface anda second track with a working surface that is disposed on an incline tothe generally horizontal working surface; roller assemblies, each rollerassembly comprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on an exteriorof the second frame, a second roller affixed for a rotation on anexterior of the third frame and a rigid link connecting the first andsecond rollers; containers containing dough; devices mounted on thethird frame and configured to connect voltage to each container; andconveyor positioned and operable to position each container under a pairof devices.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for cooking or baking dough containedwithin container(s) comprises a frame comprising a stationary portionand at least one movable portion; devices mounted on the movableportion, each device configured to connect voltage to a singlecontainer; and a conveyor at least partially disposed within the frameunderneath the devices, the conveyor configured to move each containerinto a position under a pair of devices.

The particular embodiments of the present disclosure generally provideapparatus and method for material handling.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus comprises a conveyor configuredto move material from an inlet end to an outlet or discharge end and isfurther configured to temporarily change elevation of the material priorto and/or after the material movement.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus comprises a conveyor with apair of frames movable by a powered device.

The particular embodiments of the present disclosure also provide adevice configured and operable to change elevation of a material priorto or after conveying operation.

Now referring to the drawings, FIGS. 49-53 illustrate an embodiment of alifting device or an apparatus 700 configured and operable to movematerial along a conveying path or a first direction 702 between aninlet end 704 and an outlet or discharge end 706. The apparatus 700 isbeing further configured to temporarily change elevation of the materialprior to and/or after the movement of material and is being furtherconfigured to move material in a second direction being disposedgenerally normal or at an inclined to the first direction. The apparatus700 can be also referred to as a material handling conveyor.

The exemplary apparatus 700 comprises a first frame 710. The first frame710 is configured as a stationary frame. The first frame 710 has ahollow interior 711 defined by a pair of side members 712 and 714,spaced apart from each other during use or operation. A length of eachside member 712, 714 is disposed or oriented along the first direction702. Each side member 712, 714 may be configured to define a mainportion 716 with a vertically disposed surface 718. Each side member712, 714 may be also configured to define flanges 720, 722 and 724,although less of more flanges are also contemplated herewithin. Flanges722 may be configured to support the apparatus 700 on a horizontalsurface or any other structure. The side members 712 and 714 may berigidly connected therebetween with one or more first braces 726. In anexample, each end of the first brace 726 can be rigidly coupled to aflange 724 by any one of welding, adhesive and fastening. The sidemembers 712 and 714 may be further rigidly connected with one or moresecond braces 728, for example having each end thereof rigidly coupledto the main portion 716 by anyone of welding, adhesive and fastening.Apertures 729 may be provided through the thickness of the main portion716, at one or both end region thereof, to fasten a pair of conveyors700 along the first direction 702 or fasten the conveyor 700 to anyother conveyor or structure. In an example, the end regions with theapertures 702 may be also configured to suspend the apparatus 700 whereit does not touch any horizontal surface. In this example, the apparatus700 may be configured without flanges 722 and 724 and even without firstbraces 726 and flanges 714. Or, the first brace 726 can be rigidlycoupled, at each end thereof, to the main portion 716.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 700 further comprises a conveying meansor a device represented by one or more tracks 730. During operation, oneor more tracks 730 receive material for movement along the conveyingpath or the first direction 702. The one or more tracks 730 may bedirectly supported on the one or more second braces 728 or may be spacedfrom the upper surfaces thereof with spacers 732. In the example of FIG.49, the tracks 730 are shown as having a U-shaped cross-section in aplane normal to a length of the track 730. In such example, each track730 can be configured to receive a chain of a chain conveyor (notshown). In an example, the tracks 730 can be adapted with rollers todefine a roller conveyor. In an example, the tracks 730 can have asmooth upper surface, similar to the above described surface 218 or 228,to define a conveying surface. In other words, the tracks 730 can becomponents of any above conveying means configured and operable toconvey or move material in the first direction 702. In an embodiment,the one or more tracks 700 can be provided as components of anexternal/independent conveyor and thus can be optional components of theapparatus 700.

The apparatus 700 also comprises a second frame 750. The second frame750 also has a hollow interior 751 defined by peripheral members 752,754, 756 and 758. The second frame 750 can be sized and shaped to fitwithin the periphery of the first frame 710. Such peripheral members752, 754, 756 and 758 may be provided as hollow tubular members toreduce weight of the second frame 750. Such peripheral members 752, 754,756 and 758 may be provided as strips or bars. Such peripheral members752, 754, 756 and 758 may be disposed coplanar (i.e. in the same plane)with each other. As it will be explained later, the second frame 750 ismounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane during use of theapparatus 700.

The apparatus 700 also comprises a third frame 760. During use, thethird frame 760 is positioned above the second frame 720. The thirdframe 760 also has a hollow interior 761 defined by peripheral members762, 764, 766 and 768. The third frame 760 can be sized and shaped tofit within the periphery of the first frame 710. The third frame 760 maybe sized generally equally to the second frame 750. Such peripheralmembers 762, 764, 766 and 768 may be provided as hollow tubular membersto reduce weight of the third frame 760. Such peripheral members 762,764, 766 and 768 may be provided as strips or bars. Such peripheralmembers 762, 764, 766 and 768 may be disposed coplanar (i.e. in the sameplane) with each other. As it will be explained later, the third frame760 is mounted for a movement in both generally horizontal and generallyvertical planes during use of the apparatus 700.

The first, second and third frames, 720, 750 and 760 respectively, areinterconnected in the following manner. In a particular reference toFIGS. 52-53, slide or track assemblies 770 are stationary mounted on theinterior of the first frame 710 and, more particularly, on the innersurface 718 of the main portion 716. Four slide or track assemblies 770can be used. Each slide or track assembly 770 is being positionedadjacent a respective corner or end of the first frame 710. Each slideor track assembly 770 comprises a first member 772 with a workingsurface 774. The working surface 774 is positioned generallyhorizontally during use of the apparatus 700. In the examples of FIGS.52-53, each first member 772 is shown as having an L-shapedcross-section. Other cross-sections are also contemplated, including aU-shaped, solid or tubular cross-section of the first member 772defining the working surface 774. Since, the working surface 774 ishorizontally disposed and supports, in a vertical plane, a weight of atleast the second frame 750, a single working surface 774 is sufficientherewithin. However, a second working surface 774, for example beingprovided by a first member with a U-shaped cross-section can be alsoemployed herewithin. Each slide or track assembly 770 also includes asecond member 776 with the working surface 778 that is disposed at anangle or inclined to the working surface 774. In the examples of FIGS.52-53, each second member 776 is shown as having a U-shapedcross-section with a pair of oppositely positioned working surfaces 778.Such pair of working surfaces 778 helps to accommodate any undesiredmovement or play of the second frame 720 and maintain a contact betweena second roller 784 described below and at least one of the pair ofworking surfaces 778. However, a single working surface 778 is alsocontemplated herewithin if, for example, a separation of the roller 784from the working surface 778 is not an issue. Other cross-sections arealso contemplated, including a solid or tubular member defining theworking surface 778. The first and second members, 772 and 776respectively, are illustrated as being provided as separate members. Inthis example, the first and second members, 772 and 776 respectively,are stationary affixed to the inner surface of the respective sidemember 712 or 714. Carriage or roller assemblies 780 are also provided.Each carriage or roller assembly 780 comprises a first roller 782 thatis rotationally affixed on the exterior of the second frame 750 and isadapted to roll or rotate on the working surface 774 during use of theapparatus 700. The second roller 784 is rotationally affixed on theexterior of the third frame 760 and is adapted to roll on the workingsurface(s) 778 during use of the apparatus 700. The carriage or rollerassembly 780 also comprises a link 786 that is coupled to the first andsecond rollers, so that both first and second rollers, 782 and 784respectively, have to move together. In other words, the distancebetween first and second rollers, 782 and 784 respectively, does notchange during operation of the apparatus 700 and the first and secondrollers, 782 and 784 respectively, must roll in unison with each other.

The apparatus 700 further comprises a powered member 790 that isconfigured to generate a linear motion. In an example of FIGS. 49-51,such powered member 790 is illustrated as a hydraulic or pneumaticcylinder, that has a piston end 792 thereof affixed to the first frame710, for example to a mounting member 734 that is suspended from one ofthe cross-braces 728 and has a rod end 794 thereof affixed, stationaryor pivotally, to a brace 736 of the second frame 750. In operation, thepowered cylinder 790 is actuated to extend the rod end 794 and to movethe second frame 750 in a horizontal direction, from left to right inFIGS. 50-51. Such movement of the second frame 750 causes each firstroller 782 to move horizontally on the respective working surface(s) 774and further causes each second roller 784 to move on the respectiveinclined working surface(s) 778. The movement of the second rollers 784causes the movement of the third frame 760 in both horizontal andvertical directions. The powered cylinder 790 is also actuated toretract the rod end 794 and move the second frame 750 and the thirdframe 760 horizontally in a direction from right to left in FIGS. 50-51and also move the third frame downwardly. The powered member 790 can bealso an electrically powered drive. In an example, such electricallypowered drive can be a solenoid, mounted and coupled essentially in thesame manner as the above described powered cylinder 790. In an example,such electrically powered drive can comprise a screw and nut components,with the nut being connected to the second frame 750 and translating onthe screw. In an example, such electrically powered drive could compriseof a magnetic rack and pinion type with the pinion rotatably mounted onthe first frame 710 and the rack mounted stationary on the second frame750.

The apparatus 700 further comprises a material carrying assembly 800configured to enable movement of the material in a second direction 808being generally normal to the first direction 702. The assembly 800comprises material carrying members and support member(s) configured toelevate, in a vertical direction, the material carrying members abovethird frame 760. In an embodiment of FIGS. 49-51, such material carryingmembers comprise three rollers 810 and such support member(s) comprise apair of roller mounting members 802 rotatable support the three rollers810 thereon. The material carrying members define working surfaces 812of the assembly 800 and of the apparatus 700. In the example of FIGS.49-51 and 55, such working surface 812 is a peripheral surface of eachroller 810. Each roller mounting member 802 is positioned at one end ofthe apparatus 700. Each roller mounting member 802 can comprise a firstportion 804 stationary affixed, either permanently or detachably, to theperipheral members of the third frame 760, for example such as theperipheral member 762. Each roller mounting member 802 can also comprisethree second portions 806 that upstand on the first portion 804. Eachroller 810 has one end thereof adapted for a rotation on a respectivesecond portion 806 of the roller mounting member 802. Thus, the axis ofthe rollers 810 are aligned with the first direction 702 and the rollers810 are positioned and configured to rotate in the second direction 808.The number of rollers 810 can be selected based on at least one of awidth of the material to be transported, a particular application, and atype of the conveying device or means. In an embodiment, at least a pairof rollers 810 is contemplated as sufficient to support the materialmoving in the second direction 808, although more than three illustratedrollers 810 are also contemplated herewithin.

It is to be understood that the first frame 710, the second frame 750,the third frame 760 and the assembly 800 may define a frame movable by apowered member 790 to change an elevation of a material relative to anelevation of the conveying device and enable a movement of the materialin a direction being normal to a direction of the conveying device. Inother words, such first frame 710, the second frame 750 and the thirdframe 760 can be referred to as a first frame portion 710, a secondframe portion 750 and a third frame portion 760. The frame can beprovided with or without the track assemblies 770 and the rollerassemblies 780. It is to be further understood that the frame can becomprised of only one frame portion, for example such as the third frame760. When the frame comprises only one frame portion, the frame alsocomprises the assembly 800.

In an example of FIG. 54, each material carrying member comprises astationary member 814 carrying the working surface 812, being agenerally flat surface. The support members can be essentially the abovedescribed member 802 modified to mount stationary members 814 thereon.Such stationary member 814 can comprise, either completely or partially,a material with a low coefficient of friction. In an example, suchmaterial may comprise UHMW plastic. The stationary member 814 can alsobe adapted with a coating comprising material with a low coefficient offriction, with the coating defining the working surface 812. In anexample, such coating material may comprise UHMW plastic. Furthermore,the exemplary three stationary members 814 may be replaced with a singlestationary member 814 comprising a material with a low coefficient offriction. Such single stationary member 814 can be positioned betweenthe tracks 730 and sized sufficient to support the material moving inthe second direction 808. The flat working surface 812 can be smooth.The flat working surface 812 can be provided with grooves, cavities orprotrusions to minimize surface-to-surface contact between thestationary member(s) 810′ and the material to be transported thereon.

FIGS. 54-55 illustrate embodiment(s) of the apparatus 700 configuredwithout the first frame 710, the second frame 750, the track assemblies770 and the roller assemblies 780. The apparatus 700 in theseembodiments is being further configured to move the third frame 760 (nowbeing the only frame) in a vertical direction only. In an example ofFIG. 54, the powered members 820 are provided. Each powered member 820can be a jack screw drive, a pneumatic cylinder, and a hydrauliccylinder, comprising a stationary portion 822 mounted on a horizontalsurface 6 or another suitable structure and a movable portion 824 havinga distal end thereof coupled to the third frame 760. Two or more poweredmembers 820 can be provided. Two powered members 820 can be mountedmediate the ends of the frame 760. Four powered members 820 can bemounted at corners of the frame 760. In this embodiment, the optionaltracks 730 and braces 728 can be supported independently from theapparatus 700. It will be understood that the powered members 820 can bealso mounted above the frame 760. Each powered member 820 can be also anelectric solenoid.

In an example of FIG. 55, the apparatus 700 can comprise powered members830 being electrically powered screw drives. Each powered member 830 canthen comprise a screw 832 supported in a vertical direction by endmounts 834, an aperture 836 formed through the frame 760 and configuredwith a complimentary thread and an electric motor 838. Two poweredmembers 830 can be mounted mediate the ends of the frame 760. Fourpowered members 830 can be mounted at corners of the frame 760. Thethreaded aperture 836 can be replaced with a drive nut affixed to theperiphery of the frame 760.

FIG. 55 also illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 700 beingpositioned and mounted in a floor pit 5 that can comprise the abovedescribed surface 6. The required or optional braces 728 can be thenaffixed to the vertical walls of the floor pit 5, for example with endbrackets or plates 829.

The above described powered drives 760 can replace the first members 772and the rollers 782 in the embodiment of FIGS. 49-53, by being mountedin a horizontal direction on the inners surfaces 718.

FIG. 56 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 700 configured formounting within the floor pit 5 that replaces the first frame 710. Inother words, in the embodiment of FIG. 56, the apparatus 700 isconfigured without the first frame 710 and can be also configured withor without the conveyor tracks 7230 and braces 728. The first members772 and the second members 776 can be affixed to the vertical walls ofthe floor pit 5 either directly or by way of mounting plates 840.

In any of the embodiments, the material carrying members do notinterfere with movement of the material along the first direction 702 oralong the conveying path.

In any of the embodiments of FIGS. 49-56, the apparatus 700 isconfigured to position material on or remove material from a conveyor ina direction generally normal to the conveying path 702.

The control of the conveyor 700 is tailored to the type of poweredmember 790. If the powered member 790 is of a hydraulic cylinder type,the control unit would include valve(s). If the powered member 790 is ofa pneumatic cylinder type, the control unit would include valve(s) andan optional air supply source. If the powered member 790 is of anelectric type, the control unit would include suitable electricalcomponents, for example, such as a contactor/relay, and even atransformer or other power conversion device. If an electrical controlunit is provided, such electrical control unit can be a based logiccontrol unit and any combination thereof.

If the powered member 790 is a cylinder, its stroke can be sized toachieve required vertical movement. Or, positioning switches/sensors canbe used to control the stroke.

In either embodiment, sensors and or switches are also contemplated.

In an embodiment, the method of using the conveyor 700 may compriseconfiguring the conveyor 700 so that material carrying members arepositioned below the conveying surfaces on the tracks 730 when thepowered member 790 is deenergized. Energizing powered member 790 to movethe second frame 750 horizontally (to the right in FIGS. 50-51) and movethe third frame 760 both horizontally and vertically, i.e. upwardly, topartially position material carrying members above the conveyingsurfaces 732 on the tracks 730. When the second frame 750 moveshorizontally to the right in FIGS. 50-51, the first rollers 782 moveshorizontally to the right in FIGS. 50-51 and each second roller 784moves upwardly on the inclined second working surface(s) 778. Themovement of the rollers 782 and 784 reverses when the third frame 760moves downwardly. Then, advancing or moving material on the materialcarrying members, in the second direction, until the material isgenerally positioned between side members 712, 714. In this position thematerial is ready to be transported or conveyed in a first direction702. Next, energizing powered member 790 to move the second frame 750horizontally (to the left of FIGS. 50-51) and move the third frame 760both horizontally and vertically, i.e. downwardly, to position materialcarrying members below the conveying surfaces 732 on the tracks 730 sothat the material is rested on the conveying surfaces on the tracks 730.Moving or conveying the material in the first direction 702.

In an embodiment, the method of using the conveyor 700 may compriseconfiguring the conveyor 700 so that material carrying members arepositioned above the conveying surfaces 732 on the tracks 730 when thepowered member 790 is deenergized. Then, advancing or moving material onthe material carrying members, in the second direction, until thematerial is generally positioned between side members 712, 714. Next,energizing powered member 790 to move the second frame 750 horizontally(to the left of FIGS. 50-51) and move the third frame 760 bothhorizontally and vertically, i.e. downwardly, to position materialcarrying members below the conveying surfaces on the tracks 730 so thatthe material is rested on the conveying surfaces on the tracks 730.Moving or conveying the material in the first direction 702. Then,advancing or moving material on the material carrying members, in thesecond direction 808, until the material is generally positioned betweenside members 712, 714.

In an embodiment, the method of using the conveyor 700 may comprisemoving or conveying the material in the first direction 702. Then,energizing powered member 790 to move the second frame 750 horizontally(to the right of FIGS. 50-51) and move the third frame 760 bothhorizontally and vertically, i.e. upwardly, to partially positionmaterial carrying members above the conveying surfaces on the tracks 730so as to raise the material above the conveying surfaces on the tracks730. Next, advancing or moving material on the material carryingmembers, in the second direction 808, until the material is past one ofthe side members 712, 714. Then, energizing powered member 790 to movethe second frame 750 horizontally (to the left of FIGS. 50-51) and movethe third frame both horizontally and vertically, i.e. downwardly, toposition material carrying members below the conveying surfaces on thetracks 730 so that the next batch of material can be moved in the firstdirection 702 on the conveyor 700.

Material carrying members, such as rollers 810, are advantageous inreducing friction during movement of the material thereon. Materialcarrying members can be replaced with other members where applicationcan tolerate a higher amount of friction or where the material is lightin weight. For example, the material carrying members can be replacedwith flat members 814 comprising either partially or fully, frictionreducing material, for example such as UHWM plastic.

It would be understood that the conveyor 700 can be used in anyapplication where the material must be conveyed or moved in twodirections, for example being perpendicular or inclined to one another.

In an embodiment, the conveyor 700 can be used in a dough or breadbaking applications, for example in a combination with the apparatus oroven 500, being positioned before or after the oven. In thisapplication, the material can be a container assembly 600 of FIGS.37-42, filled with raw dough at an inlet end of (before) the oven 500 ora cooked/baked dough on the discharge end of (after) the oven 500. Inthis embodiment, the first direction 702 is disposed normal to thepathway 506 of the apparatus 500, while the second direction 808 isaligned with the direction of the pathway 506. The conveyor 700 can beemployed when two or more ovens 500 are positioned across the pathway506 to move containers 600 with baked or cooked dough discharged fromovens 500. If the conveyor 700 is positioned immediately adjacent thedischarge end 504, the oven 500 can comprise the kickback device 180. Ifthe application includes another conveyor 10 positioned intermediate theoven 500 and the conveyor 700, the oven 500 can be provided without thekick back device 180 and such kick back device 180 will be providedwithin the intermediate conveyor 10.

In an embodiment, the conveyor 700 can be used in a combination with acase packer/bundler/wrapper/shrink wrapper that would group individualproducts into a group, or an already grouped set of products into acollective group for another larger package. In this application, thematerial is, for example, a six pack of soda before the inlet side ofthe bundler and a group of four six packs of soda cased or shrinkwrapped after the discharge end of the bundler.

In an embodiment, the conveyor 700 can be used in a combination with acaser, a heat tunnel, a palletizer, a robotic positioner for a robotwith a tool head, or other devices.

In an embodiment, each side member 712, 714 of the first frame 710 doesnot have to be a single continuous member and can be defined by separatemembers not connected to each other.

In an embodiment, each slide or track assembly 770 can be mountedindividually. In other words, a pair of slide or track assemblies 770does not have to be mounted on one long side member 712 or 714. Eachslide or track assembly 770 can be mounted on a vertically disposedpost.

In any of the above described embodiments, the conveyor 700 isconfigured to lift material above the conveying means and/or lowermaterial on such conveying means.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 700 can be configured for a fieldretrofit in applications using the conveying means. In other words,apparatus 700 can be configured without the conveying means comprisingtracks 730. In an example, the first frame 710 can be a component ofsuch existing conveying means and retrofitted to receive the slide ortrack assemblies 770 and provide attachment for the powered member 790.

In an embodiment, a conveyor, comprises a first frame mounted stationaryand having a hollow interior; a conveying device at least partiallymounted on the first frame and defining a first direction; a secondframe mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane and beingsized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the first frame; athird frame mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane andin a generally vertical plane, the third frame being sized and shaped tofit within the hollow interior of the first frame; a powered memberconfigured to generate a linear motion, the powered member comprising afirst portion thereof affixed to the first frame and having a movablesecond portion thereof affixed to the second frame; slide or trackassemblies mounted stationary on an interior of the first frame in aspaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or track assemblycomprising a first track with a generally horizontal working surface anda second track with working surface(s) disposed on an incline to thegenerally horizontal working surface; roller assemblies, each rollerassembly comprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on an exteriorof the second frame and contacting, during use, the generally horizontalworking surface, a second roller affixed for a rotation on an exteriorof the third frame and contacting, during the use, the workingsurface(s) disposed on the incline to the generally horizontal workingsurface; and a rigid link connecting the first and second rollers; and aroller assembly comprising a pair of roller mounting members, eachcomprising a first portion affixed rigidly to one end of the third frameand one or more second portions upstanding on the first portion and oneor more rollers mounted, on each of the one or more second portions, fora rotation in a second direction, the second direction being generallynormal to the first direction. The first frame may comprise a pair ofelongated members.

In an embodiment, a lifting device for a conveyor configured to movematerial in a first direction or along the conveying path, the liftingdevice comprises slide or track assemblies mounted stationary in aspaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or track assemblycomprising a first track with a generally horizontal working surface anda second track with working surface(s) disposed on an incline to thegenerally horizontal working surface; roller assemblies, each rollerassembly comprising a first roller contacting, during use, the generallyhorizontal working surface, a second roller contacting, during the use,the working surface(s) disposed on the incline to the generallyhorizontal working surface, and a rigid link connecting the first andsecond rollers; a first frame coupled to the first rollers, the firstframe moving in a generally horizontal plane; a second frame coupled tothe second rollers, the second frame moving in a generally horizontalplane and in a generally vertical plane; a powered member configured togenerate a linear motion, the powered member comprising a first portionthereof affixed to a stationary member and having a movable secondportion thereof affixed to the first frame; and a roller assemblycomprising a pair of roller mounting members, each comprising a firstportion affixed rigidly to one end of the third frame and one or moresecond portions upstanding on the first portion and one or more rollersmounted, on each of the one or more second portions, for a rotation in asecond direction, the second direction being generally normal to thefirst direction.

In an embodiment, a conveyor comprises a conveying means configured tomove material in a first direction; and a device configured to movematerial in a second direction being generally normal to the firstdirection, the device configured to change an elevation of the materialprior to or after movement of the material in the first direction. Inthis embodiment, the device may comprise slide or track assemblies 770mounted stationary in a spaced apart relationship with each other, eachslide or track assembly comprising a first track with a generallyhorizontal working surface and a second track with working surface(s)disposed on an incline to the generally horizontal working surface;carriage or roller assemblies 780, each roller assembly comprising afirst roller contacting, during use, the generally horizontal workingsurface, a second roller contacting, during the use, the workingsurface(s) disposed on the incline to the generally horizontal workingsurface, and a rigid link connecting the first and second rollers; afirst frame 750 coupled to the first rollers, the first frame moving ina generally horizontal plane; a second frame 760 coupled to the secondrollers, the second frame moving in a generally horizontal plane and ina generally vertical plane; a powered member 790 configured to generatea linear motion, the powered member comprising a first portion thereofaffixed to a stationary member and having a movable second portionthereof affixed to the first frame; and a material carrying assembly 800comprising a pair of roller mounting members, each comprising a firstportion affixed rigidly to one end of the third frame and one or moresecond portions upstanding on the first portion and one or more rollersmounted, on each of the one or more second portions, for a rotation in asecond direction, the second direction being generally normal to thefirst direction.

In this embodiment, the device may comprise a frame; powered memberscoupled to said frame, said powered members configured and positioned togenerate a linear motion in a vertical direction; and a roller assemblycomprising a pair of roller mounting members, each comprising a firstportion affixed rigidly to one end of said frame and one or more secondportions upstanding on said first portion and one or more rollersmounted, on each of said one or more second portions, for a rotation ina second direction, said second direction being generally normal to saidfirst direction.

In an embodiment, a conveyor comprises a conveying device configured tomove material in a first direction; and a device configured to movematerial in a second direction being generally normal to the firstdirection, the device further configured to change an elevation of thematerial prior to or after movement of the material in the firstdirection. A feature of this embodiment is that the conveying device isconfigured to move material in a first direction comprises a pair oftracks disposed in a spaced apart relationship with each other in thesecond direction and conveyance means mounted on the pair of tracks. Afeature of this embodiment is that the device configured to movematerial in a second direction being generally normal to the firstdirection comprises a frame; powered members coupled to the frame, thepowered members configured and positioned to generate a linear motion ina vertical direction; and an assembly comprising a pair of mountingmembers, each comprising a first portion affixed rigidly to one end ofthe frame and one or more second portions upstanding on the firstportion and one or more material carrying members mounted on each of theone or more second portions. A feature of this embodiment is that eachof the one or more material carrying members comprise rollers, eachhaving axis thereof disposed in the first direction, the rollers mountedfor a rotation in the second direction. A feature of this embodiment isthat each of the one or more material carrying members comprises a flatsurface. A feature of this embodiment is that the powered members aremounted under the frame, each of the powered members comprising astationary portion mounted and a movable portion having a distal endthereof affixed to a periphery of the frame. A feature of thisembodiment is that each of the powered members comprises a drive screw,mounting member attached to ends of the drive screw and affixing thedrive screw to a vertical surface, an aperture formed through the frameand shaped complimentary to the drive screw, and an electric motorcoupled to one end of the drive screw, the electric motor operable togenerate the linear motion in the vertical direction. A feature of thisembodiment is that the device configured to move material in a seconddirection being generally normal to the first direction comprises slideor track assemblies mounted stationary in a spaced apart relationshipwith each other, each slide or track assembly comprising a first trackwith a generally horizontal working surface and a second track withworking surface(s) disposed on an incline to the generally horizontalworking surface; carriage assemblies, each carriage assembly comprisinga first roller contacting, during use, the generally horizontal workingsurface, a second roller contacting, during the use, the workingsurface(s) disposed on the incline to the generally horizontal workingsurface, and a rigid link connecting the first and second rollers; afirst frame coupled to the first rollers, the first frame moving in agenerally horizontal plane; a second frame coupled to the secondrollers, the second frame moving in a generally horizontal plane and ina generally vertical plane; a powered member configured to generate alinear motion, the powered member comprising a first portion thereofaffixed to a stationary member and having a movable second portionthereof affixed to the first frame; and a roller assembly comprising apair of roller mounting members, each comprising a first portion affixedrigidly to one end of the second frame and one or more second portionsupstanding on the first portion and one or more rollers mounted, on eachof the one or more second portions, for a rotation in a seconddirection, the second direction being generally normal to the firstdirection. A feature of this embodiment is that the device configured tomove material in a second direction being generally normal to the firstdirection comprises a first frame mounted stationary and having a hollowinterior, conveying device at least partially mounted on the firstframe; a second frame mounted for a movement in a generally horizontalplane and being sized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior ofthe first frame; a third frame mounted for a movement in a generallyhorizontal plane and in a generally vertical plane, the third framebeing sized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the firstframe; slide or track assemblies mounted stationary in a spaced apartrelationship with each other, each slide or track assembly comprising afirst track with a generally horizontal working surface and a secondtrack with working surface(s) disposed on an incline to the generallyhorizontal working surface; carriage assemblies, each carriage assemblycomprising a first roller contacting, during use, the generallyhorizontal working surface, a second roller contacting, during the use,the working surface(s) disposed on the incline to the generallyhorizontal working surface, and a rigid link connecting the first andsecond rollers; a powered member configured to generate a linear motion,the powered member comprising a first portion thereof affixed to astationary member and having a movable second portion thereof affixed tothe first frame; and a roller assembly comprising a pair of rollermounting members, each comprising a first portion affixed rigidly to oneend of the second frame and one or more second portions upstanding onthe first portion and one or more rollers mounted, on each of the one ormore second portions, for a rotation in a second direction, the seconddirection being generally normal to the first direction.

In an embodiment, a conveyor comprises a first frame mounted stationaryand having a hollow interior; a conveying device at least partiallymounted on the first frame and defining a first direction; a secondframe mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane and beingsized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of the first frame; athird frame mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane andin a generally vertical plane, the third frame being sized and shaped tofit within the hollow interior of the first frame; a powered memberconfigured to generate a linear motion, the powered member comprising afirst portion thereof affixed to the first frame and having a movablesecond portion thereof affixed to the second frame; slide or trackassemblies mounted stationary on an interior of the first frame in aspaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or track assemblycomprising a first track with a generally horizontal working surface anda second track with working surface(s) disposed on an incline to thegenerally horizontal working surface; carriage assemblies, each carriageassembly comprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on an exteriorof the second frame and contacting, during use, the generally horizontalworking surface, a second roller affixed for a rotation on an exteriorof the third frame and contacting, during the use, the workingsurface(s) disposed on the incline to the generally horizontal workingsurface; and a rigid link connecting the first and second rollers; and aroller assembly comprising a pair of roller mounting members, eachcomprising a first portion affixed rigidly to one end of the third frameand one or more second portions upstanding on the first portion and oneor more rollers mounted, on each of the one or more second portions, fora rotation in a second direction, the second direction being generallynormal to the first direction. A feature of this embodiment is that thefirst frame comprises a pair of elongated members.

In an embodiment, a device or means is provided for a conveyorconfigured to move material in a first direction. The device or meanscomprises a frame movable to change an elevation of the materialrelative to an elevation of the conveyor and enable the movement of thematerial in a direction being normal to the first direction; and one ormore powered members configured to move the frame so as to change theelevation of the material relative to elevation of the material on theconveyor.

A feature of this embodiment is that the frame comprises: slide or trackassemblies mounted stationary in a spaced apart relationship with eachother, each slide or track assembly comprising a first track with agenerally horizontal working surface and a second track with workingsurface(s) disposed on an incline to the generally horizontal workingsurface; carriage assemblies, each carriage assembly comprising a firstroller contacting, during use, the generally horizontal working surface,a second roller contacting, during the use, the working surface(s)disposed on the incline to the generally horizontal working surface, anda rigid link connecting the first and second rollers; a first framecoupled to the first rollers, the first frame moving in a generallyhorizontal plane; a second frame coupled to the second rollers, thesecond frame moving in a generally horizontal plane and in a generallyvertical plane; a material carrying assembly comprising a pair ofmounting members, each comprising a first portion affixed rigidly to oneend of the second frame and one or more second portions upstanding onthe first portion and one or more material carrying members mounted, oneach of the one or more second portions and extending in the firstdirection; and the one or more powered members is a single poweredmember configured to generate a linear motion, the powered membercomprising a first portion thereof affixed to a stationary member andhaving a movable second portion thereof affixed to the first frame. Afeature of this embodiment is that the one or more material carryingmembers comprises rollers rotatable in the second direction. A featureof this embodiment is that the frame comprises material carryingassembly comprising a pair of mounting members, each comprising a firstportion affixed rigidly to one end of the second frame and one or moresecond portions upstanding on the first portion and one or more materialcarrying members mounted, on each of the one or more second portions andextending in the first direction. A feature of this embodiment is thatthe one or more powered members is two or four powered members disposedunder or above the frame and configured to move the frame in a verticaldirection. A feature of this embodiment is that the device is configuredfor mounting in a floor pit.

In an embodiment, a conveyor is provided for incrementally advancing orindexing a plurality of rows of loads with a plurality of loads in eachrow. The conveyor comprises a conveyance means for incrementallyadvancing or indexing the plurality of rows of loads with the pluralityof loads in each row along a conveyance path, and a single poweredmember coupled to the conveyance means and operable to move theconveyance means.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyance means comprises apair of outer load supporting members extending between the inlet andoutlet ends of the conveyor, each outer load supporting memberscomprising a first wall coupled to a respective side member and a secondwall with a load supporting surface, the load supporting surface beingdisposed generally horizontally during operation of the conveyor; innerload supporting members extending between the inlet and outlet ends ofthe conveyor, the load inner supporting members positioned in a spacedapart relationship with each other between the pair of outer loadsupporting members, each inner load supporting member comprising a firstwall and a second wall with a load supporting surface, the first wall ofthe each inner load supporting member being disposed generallyvertically during operation of the conveyor and comprising an aperture,the load supporting surface of the each inner load supporting memberbeing disposed generally horizontally during operation of the conveyor;braces coupled stationary, at each end thereof, to each side member ofthe frame, in series and in a spaced apart relationship with each otherbetween the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, each brace disposedsubstantially transverse to the load supporting members and passingthrough aligned apertures in each load supporting member; clamps cagingeach brace and being disposed in pairs between first walls of a pair ofadjacent members, each clamp comprising a pair of portions fastened toeach other during operation of the conveyor; biasing members, eachbiasing member comprising a first portion stationary attached to asurface of the first wall of each member in an alignment with arespective clamp and comprising a second portion movable in arelationship to the first portion and having one end thereof positionedin an abutting relationship with the respective clamp so as to bias eachbrace with an upper edge of each aperture during use of the conveyor;U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracket comprising a pair of flanges,each of the pair of flanges being coupled rigidly to one of the pair ofportions of each clamp, each U-shaped bracket further comprising asurface disposed substantially horizontally during use of the conveyor;and an indexing device. A feature of this embodiment is that theapparatus further comprises additional braces stationary disposedmediate the inlet and outlet ends in a direction transverse to adirection therebetween, each additional brace comprising first braceapertures in the first wall of each load supporting members, secondbrace apertures in the side members of the frame in an alignment withthe first brace apertures, spacers disposed between surfaces of thefirst walls of adjacent load supporting members and having each end inan abutting relationship therewith, third brace apertures in the spacersoriented in the direction transverse to the direction between the inletand outlet ends and in an alignment with the first and second braceapertures, and an elongated member passed through the aligned first,second and third brace apertures and having each end thereof secured toa respective side member of the frame.

A feature of this embodiment is that the indexing device comprises:receptacles disposed in series with each other between the inlet andoutlet ends of the conveyor and in a space between a pair of adjacentlydisposed load supporting members, each receptacle coupled stationary toa respective U-shaped bracket, the each receptacle comprising a pair ofvertically disposed walls; carrying members, each carrying memberpositioned for a reciprocal linear movement between the pair of verticalsurfaces in each receptacle and between a pair of the adjacent members,the carrying member extending between the inlet and outlet ends of theconveyor; force exerting members disposed in series with each otherbetween the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, each force exertingmember comprising a front end and a rear end, the rear end being heavierthan the front end; a pivotal connection between each force exertingmember and a respective carrying member; each force exerting memberpivotable between a load engaging position and a non-load engagingposition on the carrying member and movable with the carrying member inthe reciprocal linear movement; stops, each stop rigidly coupled to thecarrying member and positioned to maintain the front end of a respectiveforce exerting member in the load engaging position; the front end hasat least a portion thereof extending outwardly, in the load engagingposition, from load supporting surfaces of the spaced apart members andin a abutting relationship with a portion of the load during operationof the conveyor, the abutting relationship causing an incrementaladvancement of the load between the inlet and outlet ends during alinear movement of the carrying member in a first direction; the frontend and the rear end being at least partially disposed, in the non-loadengaging position, below the load supporting surfaces during the linearmovement of the carrying member in an opposite second direction; and thereciprocal linear movement in the first direction of the force exertingmembers advances the load from the inlet end to the outlet end.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor further comprises adevice configured to move the load(s) in a reversed or retracteddirection from the outlet end to the inlet end when the load(s) isdisposed at the outlet end. The device comprises edge slots in the firstwall of each of the pair of outer load supporting members and the innerload supporting members; a bearing block coupled to each first wall inan alignment with a respective edge slot; a shaft passed through eachbearing block; a pawl secured on the shaft for a rotation thereof; andanother powered member coupled with a link to the pawl and operable topivot the shaft and the pawl in the direction from the outlet end to theinlet end to move the load, disposed at the outlet end in the reversedor retracted direction.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor further comprises aframe and wherein the conveyance means comprises a portion thereof beingmechanically fastened to the frame.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor further comprises asensor positioned and operable to sense a position of the load so as toreverse an operating direction of the powered member.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor further comprises asensor positioned to sense a presence or an absence of the load movingalong the conveyance path.

A feature of this embodiment is that the powered member comprises apneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor further comprises atleast one transmitter and at least one receiver aligned across a widthof the conveyor with the at least one transmitter.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor further comprises acontrol member.

In an embodiment, a conveyor is configured to advance a plurality ofrows of loads with a plurality of loads in each row. The conveyorcomprises a frame defining an inlet end and an outlet end of theconveyor, the frame comprising end members and a pair of side members,each side member coupled to a pair of end members in a direction betweenthe inlet end and the outlet end; a pair of outer load supportingmembers extending between the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor,each outer load supporting members comprising a first wall coupled to arespective side member and a second wall with a load supporting surface,the load supporting surface being disposed generally horizontally duringoperation of the conveyor; inner load supporting members extendingbetween the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, the load innersupporting members positioned in a spaced apart relationship with eachother between the pair of outer load supporting members, each inner loadsupporting member comprising, a first wall and a second wall with a loadsupporting surface, the first wall of the each inner load supportingmember being disposed generally vertically during operation of theconveyor and comprising an aperture, the load supporting surface of theeach inner load supporting member being disposed generally horizontallyduring operation of the conveyor; first braces coupled stationary, ateach end thereof, to each side member of the frame, in series and in aspaced apart relationship with each other between the inlet and outletends of the conveyor, each first brace disposed substantially transverseto the load supporting members and passing through aligned apertures ineach load supporting member; clamps caging each first brace and disposedin pairs between first walls of a pair of adjacent members, each clampcomprising a pair of portions fastened to each other during operation ofthe conveyor; biasing members, each biasing member comprising a firstportion stationary attached to a surface of the first wall of eachmember in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprising a secondportion movable in a relationship to the first portion and having oneend thereof positioned in an abutting relationship with the respectiveclamp so as to bias each brace with an upper edge of each apertureduring use of the conveyor; U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracketcomprising a pair of flanges, each of the pair of flanges being coupledrigidly to one of the pair of portions of each clamp, each U-shapedbracket further comprising a surface disposed substantially horizontallyduring use of the conveyor; receptacles, disposed in series with eachother between the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor and in a spacebetween a pair of adjacently disposed load supporting members, eachreceptacle comprising a pair of vertically disposed walls, eachreceptacle coupled stationary to a respective U-shaped bracket; liners,each liner comprising a low friction material and being coupled to aninterior of each vertically disposed wall; carrying members, eachcarrying member positioned for a reciprocal linear movement betweenliners in each receptacle and between a pair of the adjacent members,the carrying member extending between the inlet and outlet ends of theconveyor; second braces stationary disposed mediate the inlet and outletends in a direction transverse to a direction therebetween, each secondbrace comprising first brace apertures in the first wall of each loadsupporting members, second brace apertures in the side members of theframe in an alignment with the first brace apertures, spacers disposedbetween surfaces of the first walls of adjacent load supporting membersand having each end in an abutting relationship therewith, third braceapertures in the spacers oriented in the direction transverse to thedirection between the inlet and outlet ends and in an alignment with thefirst and second brace apertures, and an elongated member passed throughthe aligned first, second and third brace apertures and having each endthereof secured to a respective side member of the frame; a poweredmember configured to provide the reciprocal linear movement, the poweredmember having one end thereof coupled to the frame; a linkage comprisinga link disposed transverse to the reciprocal linear movement, the linkhaving a pivotal connection with an opposite end of the powered memberand a plurality of coupling members, a portion of the plurality ofcoupling members spaced apart from each other adjacent a respectivecarrying member, each coupling member comprising one end thereof coupledto a respective carrying member and comprising a second end coupled tothe link; force exerting members disposed in series with each otherbetween the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, each force exertingmember comprising a front end and a rear end, the rear end being heavierthan the front end; a pivotal connection between each force exertingmember and a respective carrying member; each force exerting memberpivotable between a load engaging position and a non-load engagingposition on the carrying member and movable with the carrying member inthe reciprocal linear movement; stops, each stop rigidly coupled to thecarrying member and positioned to maintain the front end of a respectiveforce exerting member in the load engaging position; the front end hasat least a portion thereof extending outwardly, in the load engagingposition, from load supporting surfaces of the spaced apart members andin a abutting relationship with a portion of the load during operationof the conveyor, the abutting relationship causing an incrementaladvancement of the load between the inlet and outlet ends during alinear movement of the carrying member in a first direction; the frontend and the rear end being at least partially disposed, in the non-loadengaging position, below the load supporting surfaces during the linearmovement of the carrying member in an opposite second direction; and thereciprocal linear movement in the first direction of the force exertingmembers advances the load from the inlet end to the outlet end.

A feature of this embodiment is that the load supporting surface of eachinner load supporting member or each outer load supporting membercomprises a substantially smooth surface.

A feature of this embodiment is that the load supporting surface of eachinner load supporting member or each outer load supporting membercomprises rollers mounted for a rotation.

In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided for cooking or baking doughcontained within container assemblies. The apparatus comprises a framedefining an inlet end and an outlet end of the apparatus; devicesmounted on the frame for a movement in a vertical direction during useof the apparatus, each device configured to connect voltage to arespective container assembly; one or more powered members configured tomove the devices in the vertical direction; and a conveyor at leastpartially disposed within the frame underneath the devices, the conveyorconfigured to incrementally index or advance each container assemblyinto a position under a pair of devices.

A feature of this embodiment is that the frame comprises a first framemounted stationary and having a hollow interior; a second frame mountedfor a movement in a generally horizontal plane and being sized andshaped to fit within the hollow interior of the first frame; a thirdframe mounted for a movement in a generally horizontal plane and in agenerally vertical plane, the third frame being sized and shaped to fitwithin the hollow interior of the first frame, the devices being mountedon the third frame; slide or track assemblies mounted stationary on aninterior of the first frame in a spaced apart relationship with eachother, each slide or track assembly comprising a first track with agenerally horizontal, during operation of the apparatus, working surfaceand a second track with a working surface that is disposed at an inclineto the generally horizontal working surface; and roller assemblies, eachroller assembly comprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on anexterior of the second frame, a second roller affixed for a rotation onan exterior of the third frame and a rigid link connecting the first andsecond rollers, and at least one rails coupled to the third frame, thedevices being detachably coupled to the at least one rail.

A feature of this embodiment is that the one or more powered members isa single powered member configured to generate a linear motion, thepowered member comprising a first portion thereof affixed to the firstframe and having a movable second portion thereof affixed to the secondframe; the linear motion in one direction causing a movement of thefirst roller on the generally horizontal working surface and subsequentmovement of the second roller on the inclined working surface to movethe third frame away from the second frame and move the devices in adirection to connect voltage to the respective container assembly; andthe linear motion in an opposite direction causing a returned movementof the first roller on the generally horizontal working surface and asubsequent returned movement of the second roller on the inclinedworking surface to move the third frame toward the second frame and movethe devices in a direction to disconnect connect voltage from therespective container assembly.

A feature of this embodiment is that the frame comprises a stationarymounted frame and at least one rails coupled to opposite peripheralmembers of the frame.

A feature of this embodiment is that one or more powered members is atleast a pair of powered members, each powered member comprising astationary portion affixed to the at least one rail and a movableportion affixed to a respective device, the each powered memberconfigured to move the respective device in a vertical direction duringuse of the apparatus.

A feature of this embodiment is that the frame comprises a stationarymounted frame, wherein the one or more powered members comprises atleast a pair of powered members, each of the pair of powered memberscomprises a stationary portion thereof affixed to a peripheral member ofthe frame and a movable portion thereof affixed to one device.

A feature of this embodiment is that each device comprises a body; amounting portion extending from one end of the body; an electrodeextending from a longitudinally opposite end of the body, the electrodecomprising an L-shaped member having one leg thereof secured to theopposite end of the body and an electrically conductive member havingone end thereof secured to another leg of the L-shaped member; aclamping member comprising a first bore sized and shaped to receive themounting portion therethrough, a second bore oriented in a directiongenerally normal to a direction of the first bore, a first clampconfigured to secure or clamp the mounting portion received within thefirst bore and a second clamp configured to secure or clamp anothermember received within the second bore; wires coupling the electricallyconductive member to a voltage source; and a longitudinal bore in thebody configured to pass the wires there through.

A feature of this embodiment is that the conveyor is a ratchet orindexing conveyor.

A feature of this embodiment is that the ratchet or indexing conveyorcomprises braces that are affixed stationary, at each end thereof, tothe frame in a spaced apart relationship with each other between theinlet end and the outlet end; stationary support brackets, each supportbracket being permanently or detachably coupled to a respective brace;channels, each channel being coupled stationary to a respective supportbracket and defining an interior space; one or more rails positioned fora reciprocal linear movement within the interior space and extendingbetween the inlet end and the outlet end; a powered member configured toprovide a reciprocal linear movement of the one or more rails; couplingmembers coupling each rail from the one or more rails, to the poweredmember; load carrying members; force exerting members disposed in serieswith each other between the inlet end and the outlet end, each forceexerting members is in a pivotal connection with the one or more rails,the each force exerting member is pivotable between a load engagingposition and a non-load engaging position on the one or more rails andis movable with the one or more rails in the reciprocal linear movement,enabled by the powered member, to move the container assembliespositioned and conveying on the load carrying members; and stops, eachstop positioned and mounted to maintain each force exerting member inthe load engaging position.

A feature of this embodiment is that the ratchet or indexing conveyorcomprises a pair of side members, each side member coupled to the frameand extending in a direction between the inlet end and the outlet end; apair of outer load supporting members extending in the direction betweenthe inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, each outer load supportingmembers comprising a first wall coupled to a respective side member anda second wall with a load supporting surface, the load supportingsurface being disposed generally horizontally during operation of theconveyor; inner load supporting members extending in the directionbetween the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor, the load innersupporting members positioned in a spaced apart relationship with eachother between the pair of outer load supporting members, each inner loadsupporting member comprising, a first wall and a second wall with a loadsupporting surface, the first wall of the each inner load supportingmember being disposed generally vertically during operation of theconveyor and comprising an aperture, the load supporting surface of theeach inner load supporting member being disposed generally horizontallyduring operation of the conveyor; first braces coupled stationary, ateach end thereof, to each side member of the frame, in series and in aspaced apart relationship with each other between the inlet and outletends of the conveyor, each first brace disposed substantially transverseto the load supporting members and passing through aligned apertures ineach load supporting member; clamps caging each first brace and disposedin pairs between first walls of a pair of adjacent members, each clampcomprising a pair of portions fastened to each other during operation ofthe conveyor; biasing members, each biasing member comprising a firstportion stationary attached to a surface of the first wall of eachmember in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprising a secondportion movable in a relationship to the first portion and having oneend thereof positioned in an abutting relationship with the respectiveclamp so as to bias each brace with an upper edge of each apertureduring use of the conveyor; U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracketcomprising a pair of flanges, each of the pair of flanges being coupledrigidly to one of the pair of portions of each clamp, each U-shapedbracket further comprising a surface disposed substantially horizontallyduring use of the conveyor; receptacles, disposed in series with eachother between the inlet and outlet ends of the conveyor and in a spacebetween a pair of adjacently disposed load supporting members, eachreceptacle comprising a pair of vertically disposed walls, eachreceptacle coupled stationary to a respective U-shaped bracket; liners,each liner comprising a low friction material and being coupled to aninterior of each vertically disposed wall; carrying members, eachcarrying member positioned for a reciprocal linear movement betweenliners in each receptacle and between a pair of the adjacent members,the carrying member extending between the inlet and outlet ends of theconveyor; second braces stationary disposed mediate the inlet and outletends in a direction transverse to a direction therebetween, each secondbrace comprising first brace apertures in the first wall of each loadsupporting members, second brace apertures in the side members of theframe in an alignment with the first brace apertures, spacers disposedbetween surfaces of the first walls of adjacent load supporting membersand having each end in an abutting relationship therewith, third braceapertures in the spacers oriented in the direction transverse to thedirection between the inlet and outlet ends and in an alignment with thefirst and second brace apertures, and an elongated member passed throughthe aligned first, second and third brace apertures and having each endthereof secured to a respective side member of the frame; anotherpowered member configured to provide the reciprocal linear movement, theanother powered member having one end thereof coupled to the frame; alinkage comprising a link disposed transverse to the reciprocal linearmovement, the link having a pivotal connection with an opposite end ofthe another powered member and a plurality of coupling members, aportion of the plurality of coupling members spaced apart from eachother adjacent a respective carrying member, each coupling membercomprising one end thereof coupled to a respective carrying member andcomprising a second end coupled to the link; force exerting membersdisposed in series with each other between the inlet and outlet ends ofthe conveyor, each force exerting member comprising a front end and arear end, the rear end being heavier than the front end; a pivotalconnection between each force exerting member and a respective carryingmember; each force exerting member pivotable between a load engagingposition and a non-load engaging position on the carrying member andmovable with the carrying member in the reciprocal linear movement;stops, each stop rigidly coupled to the carrying member and positionedto maintain the front end of a respective force exerting member in theload engaging position; the front end has at least a portion thereofextending outwardly, in the load engaging position, from load supportingsurfaces of the spaced apart members and in a abutting relationship witha portion of the load during operation of the conveyor, the abuttingrelationship causing an incremental advancement of the load between theinlet and outlet ends during a linear movement of the carrying member ina first direction; the front end and the rear end being at leastpartially disposed, in the non-load engaging position, below the loadsupporting surfaces during the linear movement of the carrying member inan opposite second direction; and the reciprocal linear movement in thefirst direction of the force exerting members advances the load from theinlet end to the outlet end.

A feature of this embodiment is that the apparatus further comprises thecontainer assemblies. Each container assembly comprises a containercomprising a bottom member, two first members upstanding on the closedbottom at each end thereof and in a spaced apart relationship with eachother, the first members defining closed ends of the container, secondmembers defining partially open sides of the container, each secondmember is being rigidly connected at each end thereof to an edge of arespective first member, the second members are being disposed in aspaced apart relationship with each other, and an electricallynon-conductive material; two pans, each pan comprising an electricallyconductive material and being sized to cover the partially open side ofthe container; and two electrodes, each electrode disposed in a directcontact with a respective pan during use of each container assembly anddefines a generally unobstructed surface.

A feature of this embodiment is that each electrode comprises flanges onthe pan, arranged to define a generally tubular shape of each electrode.

A feature of this embodiment is that each electrode comprises anelectrically conductive material.

It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it isemphasized and should be appreciated that two or more references to “anembodiment” in various portions of this specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures or characteristics may be combined assuitable in one or more embodiments of the invention.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description ofembodiments of the invention, various features are sometimes groupedtogether in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure aiding in the understanding ofone or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure,however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recitedin each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventiveaspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosedembodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description arehereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description.

The chosen exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter have beendescribed and illustrated, to plan and/or cross section illustrationsthat are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments, for practicalpurposes so as to enable any person skilled in the art to which itpertains to make and use the same. As such, variations from the shapesof the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. It is thereforeintended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. For example, a region illustrated or described as flatmay, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharpangles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present claims. It will be understoodthat variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions forcomponents of the specifically described exemplary embodiments of theinvention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood thatthe specific devices and processes illustrated in the coupled drawings,and described in the following specification, are simply examples of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, any specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examplesdisclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claimsexpressly state otherwise.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for”performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specifiedfunction, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause asspecified in 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. In particular, any use of “step of” inthe claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6.

Anywhere the term “comprising” is used, embodiments and components“consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” are expressly disclosedand described herein.”

Furthermore, the Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scopeof the claimed invention and is for the purpose of quickly determiningthe nature of the claimed invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor that incrementally advances or indexesa plurality of rows of loads with a plurality of loads in each row, saidconveyor comprising: a frame defining inlet and outlet ends of saidconveyor, said frame comprising four vertically disposed end members anda pair of side members extending between said inlet and outlet ends,each of said pair of side members being coupled to a pair of saidvertically disposed members; a conveyance means for incrementallyadvancing or indexing the plurality of rows of loads with the pluralityof loads in each row along a conveyance path; and a single poweredmember coupled to said conveyance means and operable to move a portionof said conveyance means along said conveyance path.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said conveyance means comprises: a pair of outer loadsupporting members extending between said inlet and outlet ends of saidconveyor, each outer load supporting members comprising a first walldisposed generally vertically during operation of said conveyor andcomprising apertures and a second wall with a load supporting surface,said load supporting surface being disposed generally horizontallyduring operation of said conveyor; inner load supporting membersextending between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, saidinner load supporting members positioned in a spaced apart relationshipwith each other between said pair of outer load supporting members, eachinner load supporting member comprising a first wall and a second wallwith a load supporting surface, said first wall of said each inner loadsupporting member being disposed generally vertically during operationof said conveyor and comprising apertures, said load supporting surfaceof said each inner load supporting member being disposed generallyhorizontally during operation of said conveyor; braces fastenedstationary, at each end thereof, to each side member of said frame, inseries and in a spaced apart relationship with each other between saidinlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, each brace disposedsubstantially transverse to said conveyance path and passing throughaligned apertures in each outer and inner load supporting member; clampscaging said each brace and disposed in pairs between first walls of apair of adjacent inner load supporting members or between one outer loadsupporting member and one inner load supporting member, each clampcomprising a pair of portions fastened to each other during operation ofsaid conveyor; biasing members, each biasing member comprising a firstportion stationary attached to a surface of said first wall of each loadsupporting member in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprisinga second portion movable in a relationship to said first portion andhaving one end thereof positioned in an abutting relationship with saidrespective clamp so as to bias each brace with an upper edge of eachaperture during use of said conveyor; U-shaped brackets, each U-shapedbracket comprising a pair of flanges, each of said pair of flanges beingcoupled rigidly to one of said pair of portions of each clamp, said eachU-shaped bracket further comprising a surface disposed substantiallyhorizontally during use of said conveyor; and an indexing device.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, further comprising additional braces stationarydisposed mediate said inlet and outlet ends in said direction transverseto said conveyance path, each additional brace comprising first braceapertures in said first wall of each outer and inner load supportingmember, second brace apertures in said side members of said frame in analignment with said first brace apertures, spacers disposed betweensurfaces of said first walls of adjacent load supporting members andhaving each end in an abutting relationship therewith, third braceapertures in said spacers oriented in said direction transverse to saidconveyance path and in an alignment with said first and second braceapertures, and an elongated member passed through said aligned first,second and third brace apertures and having each end thereof secured toa respective side member of said frame.
 4. The conveyor of claim 2,wherein said indexing device comprises: receptacles disposed in serieswith each other between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor andin each space between said pair of adjacently disposed inner loadsupporting members or between said one outer load supporting member andsaid one inner load supporting member, each receptacle coupledstationary to a respective U-shaped bracket, said each receptaclecomprising a pair of vertically disposed wall surfaces; carryingmembers, each carrying member positioned for a reciprocal linearmovement between said pair of vertical wall surfaces in said eachreceptacle, said carrying members extending between said inlet andoutlet ends of said conveyor; force exerting members disposed in serieswith each other between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyoralong a respective carrying member, each force exerting membercomprising a front end and a rear end, said rear end being heavier thansaid front end; a pivotal connection between said each force exertingmember and said respective carrying member; said each force exertingmember pivotable between a load engaging position and a non-loadengaging position on said respective carrying member and movable withsaid respective carrying member in said reciprocal linear movement;stops, each stop rigidly coupled to said carrying member and positionedto maintain said front end of a respective force exerting member in saidload engaging position; said front end has at least a portion thereofextending outwardly, in said load engaging position, from loadsupporting surfaces of the spaced apart members and in an abuttingrelationship with a portion of the load during operation of saidconveyor, said abutting relationship causing an incremental advancementof the load between said inlet and outlet ends during a linear movementof said respective carrying member in a first direction along saidconveyance path; said front end and said rear end being at leastpartially disposed, in said non-load engaging position, below said loadsupporting surfaces during said linear movement of said respectivecarrying member in an opposite second direction; and said linearmovement in said first direction of said force exerting members advancesthe loads in said first direction.
 5. The conveyor of claim 2, furthercomprising a device configured to move the loads in a reversed orretracted direction from said outlet end to said inlet end when theloads are disposed at said outlet end, said device comprising: edgeslots in said first wall of each of said pair of outer load supportingmembers and said inner load supporting members; a bearing block coupledto each first wall in an alignment with a respective edge slot; a shaftpassed through each bearing block; a pawl secured on the shaft for arotation thereof; and another powered member coupled with a link to saidpawl and operable to pivot said shaft and said pawl so as to move theloads, disposed at said outlet end in said reversed or retracteddirection.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conveyance meanscomprises: braces that are affixed stationary, at each end thereof, tosaid frame in a spaced apart relationship with each other between saidinlet end and said outlet end; stationary support brackets, each supportbracket being permanently or detachably coupled to a respective brace;channels, each channel being coupled stationary to a respective supportbracket and defining an interior space; rails positioned for areciprocal linear movement within said interior space and extendingbetween said inlet end and said outlet end; said powered memberconfigured to provide said reciprocal linear movement of said rails;coupling members coupling each rail from said rails to said poweredmember; load carrying members; force exerting members disposed in serieswith each other between said inlet end and said outlet end, each forceexerting members is in a pivotal connection with said rails, said eachforce exerting member is pivotable between a load engaging position anda non-load engaging position on said rails and is movable with saidrails in said reciprocal linear movement, enabled by said poweredmember, to move the container assemblies positioned and conveying onsaid load carrying members; and stops, each stop positioned and mountedto maintain each force exerting member in said load engaging position.7. The conveyor of claim 1, further comprising a sensor positioned andoperable to sense a position of the load so as to reverse an operatingdirection of said powered member.
 8. The conveyor of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensor positioned to sense a presence or an absence of theload moving along said conveyance path.
 9. The conveyor of claim 1,wherein said powered member comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.10. The conveyor of claim 1, further comprising at least one transmitterand at least one receiver aligned across a width of said conveyor withsaid at least one transmitter.
 11. The conveyor of claim 1, furthercomprising a control member.
 12. A conveyor configured to advance aplurality of rows of loads with a plurality of loads in each row, saidconveyor comprising: a frame defining an inlet end and an outlet end ofsaid conveyor, said frame comprising end members and a pair of sidemembers, each side member coupled to a pair of end members in adirection between said inlet end and said outlet end; a pair of outerload supporting members extending between said inlet and outlet ends ofsaid conveyor, each outer load supporting members comprising a firstwall with apertures and a second wall with a load supporting surface,said load supporting surface being disposed generally horizontallyduring operation of said conveyor; inner load supporting membersextending between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, said loadinner supporting members positioned in a spaced apart relationship witheach other between said pair of outer load supporting members, eachinner load supporting member comprising a first wall and a second wallwith a load supporting surface, said first wall of said each inner loadsupporting member being disposed generally vertically during operationof said conveyor and comprising apertures, said load supporting surfaceof said each inner load supporting member being disposed generallyhorizontally during operation of said conveyor; first braces fastenedstationary, at each end thereof, to each side member of said frame, inseries and in a spaced apart relationship with each other between saidinlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, each first brace disposedsubstantially transverse to said direction between said inlet end andsaid outlet end and passing through aligned apertures in each outer andinner load supporting member; clamps caging each first brace anddisposed in pairs between first walls of a pair of adjacent inner loadsupporting members or between one outer load supporting member and oneinner load supporting member, each clamp comprising a pair of portionsfastened to each other during operation of said conveyor; biasingmembers, each biasing member comprising a first portion stationaryattached to a surface of said first wall of each outer and inner loadsupporting member in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprisinga second portion movable in a relationship to said first portion andhaving one end thereof positioned in an abutting relationship with saidrespective clamp so as to bias each first brace with an upper edge ofeach aperture during use of said conveyor; U-shaped brackets, eachU-shaped bracket comprising a pair of flanges, each of said pair offlanges being coupled rigidly to one of said pair of portions of saideach clamp, said each U-shaped bracket further comprising a surfacedisposed substantially horizontally during use of said conveyor;receptacles, disposed in series with each other between said inlet andoutlet ends of said conveyor and in a space between said pair ofadjacently disposed inner load supporting members or between said oneouter load supporting member and said one inner load supporting member,each receptacle comprising a pair of vertically disposed walls, saideach receptacle coupled stationary to a respective U-shaped bracket;liners, each liner comprising a low friction material and being coupledto an interior of each vertically disposed wall; carrying members, eachcarrying member positioned for a reciprocal linear movement, in saiddirection between said inlet end and said outlet end, between liners insaid each receptacle, said each carrying member extending between saidinlet and outlet ends of said conveyor; second braces stationarydisposed mediate said inlet and outlet ends in said direction transverseto said direction between said inlet end and said outlet end, eachsecond brace comprising first brace apertures in said first wall of saideach outer and inner load supporting member, second brace apertures insaid side members of said frame in an alignment with said first braceapertures, spacers disposed between surfaces of said first walls ofadjacent load supporting members and having each end in an abuttingrelationship therewith, third brace apertures in said spacers orientedin said direction transverse to said direction between said inlet andoutlet ends and in an alignment with said first and second braceapertures, and an elongated member passed through said aligned first,second and third brace apertures and having each end thereof secured toa respective side member of said frame; a powered member configured toprovide said reciprocal linear movement, said powered member having oneend thereof coupled to said frame; a linkage comprising a link disposedtransverse to said reciprocal linear movement, said link having apivotal connection with an opposite end of said powered member and aplurality of coupling members, a portion of said plurality of couplingmembers spaced apart from each other adjacent a respective carryingmember, each coupling member comprising one end thereof coupled to saidrespective carrying member and comprising a second end coupled to saidlink; force exerting members disposed in series with each other betweensaid inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, each force exerting membercomprising a front end and a rear end, said rear end being heavier thansaid front end; a pivotal connection between each force exerting memberand said respective carrying member; said each force exerting memberpivotable between a load engaging position and a non-load engagingposition on said respective carrying member and movable with saidrespective carrying member in said reciprocal linear movement; stops,each stop rigidly coupled to said carrying member and positioned tomaintain said front end of a respective force exerting member in saidload engaging position; said front end has at least a portion thereofextending outwardly, in said load engaging position, from loadsupporting surfaces of the spaced apart outer and inner load supportingmembers and in an abutting relationship with a portion of the loadduring operation of said conveyor, said abutting relationship causing anincremental advancement of the load between said inlet and outlet endsduring a linear movement of said respective carrying member in a firstdirection; said front end and said rear end being at least partiallydisposed, in said non-load engaging position, below said load supportingsurfaces during said linear movement of said respective carrying memberin an opposite second direction; and said reciprocal linear movement insaid first direction of said force exerting members advances the loadfrom said inlet end to said outlet end.
 13. The conveyor of claim 12,wherein said load supporting surface of said each inner load supportingmember or said each outer load supporting member comprises asubstantially smooth surface.
 14. The conveyor of claim 12, wherein saidload supporting surface of said each inner load supporting member orsaid each outer load supporting member comprises rollers mounted for arotation.
 15. An apparatus for cooking or baking dough contained withincontainer assemblies, the container assemblies being arranged in aplurality of rows with a plurality of container assemblies in each row,said apparatus comprising: a frame defining an inlet end and an outletend of said apparatus; devices mounted on said frame for a movement in avertical direction during use of said apparatus, each device configuredto connect voltage to a respective container assembly; a powered memberconfigured to move said devices in said vertical direction; and aratchet or indexing conveyor at least partially disposed within saidframe underneath said devices, said conveyor configured to incrementallyindex or advance each container assembly into a position under a pair ofdevices, said conveyor comprising a conveyance means for incrementallyindexing or advancing the plurality of rows of container assemblies withthe plurality of container assemblies in each row along a conveyancepath, and an additional single powered member coupled to a portion ofsaid conveyance means.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said framecomprises: a first frame mounted stationary and having a hollowinterior; a second frame mounted for a movement in a generallyhorizontal plane and being sized and shaped to fit within said hollowinterior of said first frame; a third frame mounted for a movement in agenerally horizontal plane and in a generally vertical plane, said thirdframe being sized and shaped to fit within said hollow interior of saidfirst frame, said devices being mounted on said third frame; slide ortrack assemblies mounted stationary on an interior of said first framein a spaced apart relationship with each other, each slide or trackassembly comprising a first track with a generally horizontal, duringoperation of said apparatus, working surface and a second track with aworking surface that is disposed at an incline to said generallyhorizontal working surface; roller assemblies, each roller assemblycomprising a first roller affixed for a rotation on an exterior of saidsecond frame, a second roller affixed for a rotation on an exterior ofsaid third frame and a rigid link connecting said first and secondrollers; and a plurality of rails coupled to said third frame, aplurality of said devices being detachably coupled to one rail from saidplurality of rails.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: said poweredmember configured to generate a linear motion, said powered membercomprising a first portion thereof affixed to said first frame andhaving a movable second portion thereof affixed to said second frame;said linear motion in one direction causing a movement of said firstroller on said generally horizontal working surface and subsequentmovement of said second roller on said inclined working surface to movesaid third frame away from said second frame and move said devices in adirection to connect voltage to said respective container assembly; andsaid linear motion in an opposite direction causing a returned movementof said first roller on said generally horizontal working surface and asubsequent returned movement of said second roller on said inclinedworking surface to move said third frame toward said second frame andmove said devices in a direction to disconnect the voltage from saidrespective container assembly.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinsaid frame comprises a stationary mounted frame and rails coupled toopposite peripheral members of said frame.
 19. The apparatus of claim18, wherein said powered member is a plurality of powered members, eachpowered member from said plurality of powered members comprising astationary portion affixed to one rail and a movable portion affixed toa respective device, said each powered member configured to move saidrespective device in a vertical direction during use of said apparatus.20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said frame comprises a stationarymounted frame, wherein said powered member comprises at least a pair ofpowered members, each of said at least said pair of powered memberscomprises a stationary portion thereof affixed to a peripheral member ofsaid frame and a movable portion thereof affixed to one device.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein said each device comprises: a body; amounting portion extending from one end of said body; an electrodeextending from a longitudinally opposite end of said body, saidelectrode comprising an L-shaped member having one leg thereof securedto said opposite end of said body and an electrically conductive memberhaving one end thereof secured to another leg of said L-shaped member; aclamping member comprising a first bore sized and shaped to receive saidmounting portion therethrough, a second bore oriented in a directiongenerally normal to a direction of said first bore, a first clampconfigured to secure or clamp said mounting portion received within saidfirst bore and a second clamp configured to secure or clamp anothermember received within said second bore; wires coupling saidelectrically conductive member to a voltage source; and a longitudinalbore in said body configured to pass said wires there through.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein said ratchet or indexing conveyorcomprises: braces that are affixed stationary, at each end thereof, tosaid frame in a spaced apart relationship with each other between saidinlet end and said outlet end; stationary support brackets, each supportbracket being permanently or detachably coupled to a respective brace;channels, each channel being coupled stationary to a respective supportbracket and defining an interior space; rails positioned for areciprocal linear movement within said interior space and extendingbetween said inlet end and said outlet end; said powered memberconfigured to provide said reciprocal linear movement of said rails;coupling members coupling each rail to said powered member; loadcarrying members; force exerting members disposed in series with eachother between said inlet end and said outlet end along a respectiverail, each force exerting member is in a pivotal connection with saidrespective rail, said each force exerting member is pivotable between aload engaging position and a non-load engaging position on saidrespective rail and is movable with said respective rail in saidreciprocal linear movement, enabled by said powered member, to move thecontainer assemblies positioned and conveying on said outer and innerload carrying members; and stops, each stop positioned and mounted tomaintain each force exerting member in said load engaging position. 23.The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said ratchet or indexing conveyorcomprises: a pair of side members, each side member coupled to saidframe and extending in a direction between said inlet end and saidoutlet end; a pair of outer load supporting members extending in saiddirection between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, eachouter load supporting members comprising a first wall with apertures anda second wall with a load supporting surface, said load supportingsurface being disposed generally horizontally during operation of saidconveyor; inner load supporting members extending in said directionbetween said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, said load innersupporting members positioned in a spaced apart relationship with eachother between said pair of outer load supporting members, each innerload supporting member comprising, a first wall and a second wall with aload supporting surface, said first wall of said each inner loadsupporting member being disposed generally vertically during operationof said conveyor and comprising apertures, said load supporting surfaceof said each inner load supporting member being disposed generallyhorizontally during operation of said conveyor; first braces fastenedstationary, at each end thereof, to each side member, in series and in aspaced apart relationship with each other between said inlet and outletends of said apparatus, each first brace disposed substantiallytransverse to said direction between said inlet end and said outlet endand passing through aligned apertures in each outer and inner loadsupporting member; clamps caging each first brace and disposed in pairsbetween first walls of a pair of adjacent inner load supporting membersor between one outer load supporting member and one inner loadsupporting member, each clamp comprising a pair of portions fastened toeach other during operation of said conveyor; biasing members, eachbiasing member comprising a first portion stationary attached to asurface of said first wall of each outer and inner load supportingmember in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprising a secondportion movable in a relationship to said first portion and having oneend thereof positioned in an abutting relationship with said respectiveclamp so as to bias each first brace with an upper edge of each apertureduring use of said conveyor; U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracketcomprising a pair of flanges, each of said pair of flanges being coupledrigidly to one of said pair of portions of each clamp, said eachU-shaped bracket further comprising a surface disposed substantiallyhorizontally during use of said conveyor; receptacles, disposed inseries with each other between said inlet and outlet ends and in a spacebetween said pair of adjacently disposed inner load supporting membersor between said one outer load supporting member and said one inner loadsupporting member, each receptacle comprising a pair of verticallydisposed walls, said each receptacle coupled stationary to a respectiveU-shaped bracket; liners, each liner comprising a low friction materialand being coupled to an interior of each vertically disposed wall;carrying members, each carrying member positioned for a reciprocallinear movement, in said direction between said inlet end and saidoutlet end, between liners in said each receptacle, said each carryingmember extending between said inlet and outlet ends; second bracesstationary disposed mediate said inlet and outlet ends in said directiontransverse to said direction between said inlet end and said outlet end,each second brace comprising first brace apertures in said first wall ofsaid each outer and inner load supporting member, second brace aperturesin said side members of said frame in an alignment with said first braceapertures, spacers disposed between surfaces of said first walls ofadjacent load supporting members and having each end in an abuttingrelationship therewith, third brace apertures in said spacers orientedin said direction transverse to said direction between said inlet andoutlet ends and in an alignment with said first and second braceapertures, and an elongated member passed through said aligned first,second and third brace apertures and having each end thereof secured toa respective side member of said frame; said additional single poweredmember configured to provide said reciprocal linear movement, saidadditional single powered member having one end thereof coupled to saidframe; a linkage comprising a link disposed transverse to saidreciprocal linear movement, said link having a pivotal connection withan opposite end of said additional single powered member and a pluralityof coupling members, a portion of said plurality of coupling membersspaced apart from each other adjacent a respective carrying member, eachcoupling member comprising one end thereof coupled to a respectivecarrying member and comprising a second end coupled to said link; forceexerting members disposed in series with each other between said inletand outlet ends, each force exerting member comprising a front end and arear end, said rear end being heavier than said front end; a pivotalconnection between each force exerting member and said respectivecarrying member; said each force exerting member pivotable between aload engaging position and a non-load engaging position on saidrespective carrying member and movable with said respective carryingmember in said reciprocal linear movement; stops, each stop rigidlycoupled to said respective carrying member and positioned to maintainsaid front end of a respective force exerting member in said loadengaging position; said front end has at least a portion thereofextending outwardly, in said load engaging position, from loadsupporting surfaces of the spaced apart outer and inner load supportingmembers and in an abutting relationship with a portion of a containerassembly during operation of said conveyor, said abutting relationshipcausing an incremental advancement of the container assembly betweensaid inlet and outlet ends during a linear movement of said respectivecarrying member in a first direction; said front end and said rear endbeing at least partially disposed, in said non-load engaging position,below said load supporting surfaces during said linear movement of saidrespective carrying member in an opposite second direction; and saidlinear movement in said first direction of said force exerting membersadvances the container assemblys said first direction.
 24. The apparatusof claim 15, further comprising the container assemblies, each containerassembly comprising: a container comprising: a bottom member, two firstmembers upstanding on said bottom member at each end thereof and in aspaced apart relationship with each other, said first members definingclosed ends of the container, second members defining partially opensides of said container, each second member is being rigidly connectedat each end thereof to an edge of a respective first member, said secondmembers are being disposed in a spaced apart relationship with eachother, and an electrically non-conductive material; two pans, each pancomprising an electrically conductive material and being sized to coversaid partially open side of said container; and two electrodes, eachelectrode disposed in a direct contact with a respective pan during useof said each container assembly and defines a generally unobstructedsurface.
 25. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein said eachelectrode comprises flanges on said pan, arranged to define a generallytubular shape of said each electrode.
 26. The container assembly ofclaim 24, wherein said each electrode comprises an electricallyconductive material.
 27. A conveyor that incrementally advances orindexes a plurality of rows of loads with a plurality of loads in eachrow, said conveyor comprising: a frame defining inlet and outlet ends ofsaid conveyor, said frame comprising four vertically disposed endmembers and a pair of side members extending between said inlet andoutlet ends, each of said pair of side members being coupled to a pairof said vertically disposed members; a conveyance means forincrementally advancing or indexing the plurality of rows of loads withthe plurality of loads in each row along a conveyance path, saidconveyance means comprising: a pair of outer load supporting membersextending between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, eachouter load supporting members comprising a first wall disposed generallyvertically during operation of said conveyor and comprising aperturesand a second wall with a load supporting surface, said load supportingsurface being disposed generally horizontally during operation of saidconveyor, inner load supporting members extending between said inlet andoutlet ends of said conveyor, said inner load supporting memberspositioned in a spaced apart relationship with each other between saidpair of outer load supporting members, each inner load supporting membercomprising a first wall and a second wall with a load supportingsurface, said first wall of said each inner load supporting member beingdisposed generally vertically during operation of said conveyor andcomprising apertures, said load supporting surface of said each innerload supporting member being disposed generally horizontally duringoperation of said conveyor, braces fastened stationary, at each endthereof, to each side member of said frame, in series and in a spacedapart relationship with each other between said inlet and outlet ends ofsaid conveyor, each brace disposed substantially transverse to saidconveyance path and passing through aligned apertures in each outer andinner load supporting member, clamps caging said each brace and disposedin pairs between first walls of a pair of adjacent inner load supportingmembers or between one outer load supporting member and one inner loadsupporting member, each clamp comprising a pair of portions fastened toeach other during operation of said conveyor, biasing members, eachbiasing member comprising a first portion stationary attached to asurface of said first wall of each outer and inner load supportingmember in an alignment with a respective clamp and comprising a secondportion movable in a relationship to said first portion and having oneend thereof positioned in an abutting relationship with said respectiveclamp so as to bias each brace with an upper edge of each apertureduring use of said conveyor, U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracketcomprising a pair of flanges, each of said pair of flanges being coupledrigidly to one of said pair of portions of each clamp, said eachU-shaped bracket further comprising a surface disposed substantiallyhorizontally during use of said conveyor, and an indexing device; and asingle powered member coupled to said indexing device.
 28. A conveyorthat incrementally advances or indexes a plurality of rows of loads witha plurality of loads in each row, said conveyor comprising: a framedefining inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, said frame comprisingfour vertically disposed end members and a pair of side membersextending between said inlet and outlet ends, each of said pair of sidemembers being coupled to a pair of said vertically disposed members;braces that are affixed stationary, at each end thereof, to said framein a spaced apart relationship with each other between said inlet endand said outlet end; stationary support brackets, each support bracketbeing permanently or detachably coupled to a respective brace; channels,each channel being coupled stationary to a respective support bracketand defining an interior space; rails positioned for a reciprocal linearmovement within said interior space and extending between said inlet endand said outlet end; a singled powered member configured to provide saidreciprocal linear movement of said rails; coupling members coupling eachrail from said rails to said powered member; load carrying membersextending between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor; forceexerting members disposed in series with each other between said inletend and said outlet end, each force exerting members is in a pivotalconnection with a respective rail, said each force exerting member ispivotable between a load engaging position and a non-load engagingposition on said respective rail and is movable with said respectiverail in said reciprocal linear movement, enabled by said powered member,to move the container assemblies positioned and conveying on said loadcarrying members; and stops, each stop positioned and mounted tomaintain each force exerting member in said load engaging position. 29.An apparatus for cooking or baking dough contained within containerassemblies, the container assemblies being arranged in a plurality ofrows with a plurality of container assemblies in each row, saidapparatus comprising: a frame defining an inlet end and an outlet end ofsaid apparatus; devices mounted on said frame for a movement in avertical direction during use of said apparatus, each device configuredto connect voltage to a respective container assembly; a powered memberconfigured to move said devices in said vertical direction; a ratchet orindexing conveyor at least partially disposed within said frameunderneath said devices, said conveyor configured to incrementally indexor advance each container assembly into a position under a pair ofdevices, said conveyor comprising a conveyance means for incrementallyindexing or advancing the plurality of rows of container assemblies withthe plurality of container assemblies in each row along a conveyancepath, and an additional single powered member coupled to a portion ofsaid conveyance means, said conveying means comprising: a pair of outerload supporting members extending between said inlet and outlet ends ofsaid conveyor, each outer load supporting members comprising a firstwall disposed generally vertically during operation of said conveyor andcomprising apertures and a second wall with a load supporting surface,said load supporting surface being disposed generally horizontallyduring operation of said conveyor, inner load supporting membersextending between said inlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, saidinner load supporting members positioned in a spaced apart relationshipwith each other between said pair of outer load supporting members, eachinner load supporting member comprising a first wall and a second wallwith a load supporting surface, said first wall of said each inner loadsupporting member being disposed generally vertically during operationof said conveyor and comprising apertures, said load supporting surfaceof said each inner load supporting member being disposed generallyhorizontally during operation of said conveyor, braces fastenedstationary, at each end thereof, to each side member of said frame, inseries and in a spaced apart relationship with each other between saidinlet and outlet ends of said conveyor, each brace disposedsubstantially transverse to said conveyance path and passing throughaligned apertures in each outer and inner load supporting member, clampscaging said each brace and disposed in pairs between first walls of apair of adjacent inner load supporting members or between one outer loadsupporting member and one inner load supporting member, each clampcomprising a pair of portions fastened to each other during operation ofsaid conveyor, biasing members, each biasing member comprising a firstportion stationary attached to a surface of said first wall of eachouter and inner load supporting member in an alignment with a respectiveclamp and comprising a second portion movable in a relationship to saidfirst portion and having one end thereof positioned in an abuttingrelationship with said respective clamp so as to bias each brace with anupper edge of each aperture during use of said conveyor, U-shapedbrackets, each U-shaped bracket comprising a pair of flanges, each ofsaid pair of flanges being coupled rigidly to one of said pair ofportions of each clamp, said each U-shaped bracket further comprising asurface disposed substantially horizontally during use of said conveyor,and an indexing device; and said additional single powered member beingcoupled to said indexing device.
 30. An apparatus for cooking or bakingdough contained within container assemblies, the container assembliesbeing arranged in a plurality of rows with a plurality of containerassemblies in each row, said apparatus comprising: a frame defining aninlet end and an outlet end of said apparatus; devices mounted on saidframe for a movement in a vertical direction during use of saidapparatus, each device configured to connect voltage to a respectivecontainer assembly; a powered member configured to move said devices insaid vertical direction; and a ratchet or indexing conveyor at leastpartially disposed within said frame underneath said devices, saidconveyor configured to incrementally index or advance each containerassembly into a position under a pair of devices, said conveyorcomprising a conveyance means for incrementally indexing or advancingthe plurality of rows of container assemblies with the plurality ofcontainer assemblies in each row along a conveyance path, and anadditional single powered member coupled to a portion of said conveyancemeans, said conveying means comprising: braces that are affixedstationary, at each end thereof, to said frame in a spaced apartrelationship with each other between said inlet end and said outlet end,stationary support brackets, each support bracket being permanently ordetachably coupled to a respective brace, channels, each channel beingcoupled stationary to a respective support bracket and defining aninterior space; rails positioned for a reciprocal linear movement withinsaid interior space and extending between said inlet end and said outletend, said additional singled powered member configured to provide saidreciprocal linear movement of said rails, coupling members coupling eachrail from said rails to said additional single powered member, loadcarrying members extending between said inlet and outlet ends of saidconveyor, force exerting members disposed in series with each otherbetween said inlet end and said outlet end, each force exerting membersis in a pivotal connection with a respective rail, said each forceexerting member is pivotable between a load engaging position and anon-load engaging position on said respective rail and is movable withsaid respective rail in said reciprocal linear movement, enabled by saidadditional single powered member, to move a respective containerassembly, positioned and conveying on said load carrying members, alongsaid conveyance path, and stops, each stop positioned and mounted tomaintain each force exerting member in said load engaging position.